DHS Archives - Puryear Law P.C.

The Importance of the Initial Conversation with Iowa DHS or Illinois DCFS

June 2, 2024

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Having a DHS, HHS, or DCFS worker appear at your door can be one of the most upsetting and scary things to happen in your entire life. That is true whether you are a parent, a daycare provider, a nurse, or anyone else accused of some sort of child abuse/neglect or dependent adult abuse/neglect. Often, … Read more

Iowa DHS/HHS Appeal Hearings now take place by Video instead of Telephone

June 2, 2024

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Historically, those appealing a founded or confirmed Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) or Health and Human Services (HHS) report of child abuse/neglect or dependent adult abuse/neglect had two options for their hearing: in-person in Des Moines, Iowa or by telephone. This year, the telephone option was eliminated and future hearings are being set by … Read more

The Harm Caused by Iowa DHS and Illinois DCFS in False Child Abuse Accusation Cases

May 22, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Accusations of child abuse, even when false, can have a profound and harmful effect upon many aspects of a person’s life. For that reason, properly handling such false abuse accusations that are investigated by Iowa DHS or Illinois DCFS is of great importance.

Why DHS and DCFS are in Such a Hurry to Talk to People (Yet then take Weeks to Complete their Reports)

February 9, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Iowa DHS and Illinois DCFS workers are often in a hurry to speak with a person who is being investigated for child abuse or neglect. There is a reason for that rush, and it is not something that benefits justice or the person who is under investigation.

Iowa DHS Dependent Adult Abuse Accusations

February 7, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) investigates allegations of dependent adult abuse in Iowa, and defines dependent adult abuse as follows

DHS and DCFS Accusations Against Foster Parents

February 2, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Foster parents are often the subject of child abuse investigations by DHS (in Iowa) or DCFS (in Illinois). Properly handing such an investigation is especially important.

Who is a “Caretaker” of a Child According to Iowa DHS

January 30, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Under Iowa law, for a person to be accused of being a perpetrator of child abuse must be a person responsible for the care of a child. A person responsible for the care of a child is defined in Iowa Code 232.68 as follows:

Presence of Illegal Drugs in a Child’s Body in Iowa DHS Case

January 23, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Iowa DHS investigates when it is alleged that a child’s body contains drugs. The Presence of Illegal Drugs child abuse accusation in Iowa is defined by DHS as follows:

Manufacturing or Possession of a Dangerous Substance Accusations in Iowa DHS Cases

January 21, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

Iowa DHS defines the child abuse accusation of Manufacturing or Possession of a Dangerous Substance as follows:

Physical Abuse Accusations in Iowa DHS Cases

January 20, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

An accusation of physical abuse is a common reason that Iowa DHS will become involved with a family. Iowa DHS defines physical abuse as follows:

Sexual Abuse Accusations in Iowa DHS Cases

January 18, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

An accusation of sexual abuse of a child in Iowa will result in a DHS investigation. Iowa DHS defines child sexual abuse as follows:

Mental Injury of a Child in Iowa DHS Cases

January 17, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

In Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) investigates child abuse allegations based upon Mental Injury. Mental Injury is defined by Iowa DHS as follows:

Denial of Critical Care of a Child in Iowa

January 15, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

In the state of Iowa, the Department of Human Services (DHS) investigates cases where a parent or other caregiver is alleged to have committed Denial of Critical Care of a child. Iowa DHS defines Denial of Critical Care as follows:

Special Considerations for Daycare Operators when Dealing with Iowa DHS

January 5, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

The Department of Human Services in Iowa handles both the licensing of daycare operators and child abuse/neglect investigations in Iowa. When a person who operates a daycare is accused of child abuse or child neglect in Iowa, they face both the standard concerns anyone would face, as well as concerns about their livelihood and ability to continue operating a daycare.

What to Do When an Ex’s New Boyfriend, Girlfriend, or Spouse Poses a Danger to Your Child

January 3, 2016

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

In many cases these days, a child is endangered or harmed by a the new spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend of an ex. Properly addressing such a situation is vital to ensuring the safety of the child.

Things to Remember when Talking to DHS in Iowa or DCFS in Illinois

December 27, 2015

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

When a DHS (in Iowa) or DCFS (in Illinois) become involved in a person’s life due to child abuse or neglect allegations, they often do so by making an unannounced visit and requesting that a person speak with them. How that conversation is handled can have a significant impact upon the rest of the case.

Inaccurate DHS (In Iowa) and DCFS (in Illinois) Reports

December 22, 2015

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

The Department of Human Services (DHS) in Iowa, and its counterpart the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Illinois, are responsible for investigating child abuse accusations. Sadly, many of their reports inaccurately assign blame for child abuse, or claim that abuse exists when there has not been any abuse at all.

The Interplay Between Criminal Charges, DHS/DCFS Reports, Custody Cases, and Juvenile Abuse/Neglect Cases

December 19, 2015

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

A person who is charged with a crime relating to child abuse will often find themselves also facing a DHS or DCFS child abuse report, a custody case, and/or a juvenile abuse/neglect case.

Emergency Consultation for Iowa and Illinois Legal Matters

December 12, 2015

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

At Puryear Law, we understand that many legal situations become emergencies outside of a law firm’s normal business hours. Those situations often include criminal defense, divorce, child custody, emergency injunctions, DHS/DCFS accusations, and protective orders. For situations that cannot wait, we offer emergency phone consultations for potential clients who have cases in Iowa or Illinois (in either state or federal court).

Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) Appeals in Iowa

December 7, 2015

by Attorney Eric D. Puryear

When the Iowa juvenile court takes action against a parent’s rights, that parent can appeal. Child in need of assistance (CINA) appeals in Iowa are governed by the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure and the Rules on Electronic Document Management System, which are the electronic filing of court documents. Because appeals are time sensitive and have specific requirements, it is highly advisable