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Working with DCS
Keeping in Contact with DCS
- Make sure your voicemail is set-up and your mailbox has space for new messages
- If there is a time in the day when you are more likely to be available, share that with your dependency team or leave that information on your voicemail.
- Click here for information to access a free phone
If you have been unable to connect with your case worker, call your DCS Field Office, Pinal County offices are under the “Northeast Region” or call the DCS Family Advocate at 877-527-0765 or 602-364-0777
- Make sure to check your email daily for updates.
- We recommend you create a new email account just for your child’s dependency. This will help you keep all of your electronic information organized.
- If you do not have reliable internet access, remember, you can use your local library to get free computer access.
- If you do not have reliable access to phone or email, enlist someone you see regularly and trust to communicate messages to you to. Share their contact information with your dependency team
Investigators respond to reported concerns of child abuse and/ or neglect. A dependency is found when a parent cannot adequately parent or protect their child.
- Make sure to stay in contact with the DCS Investigator
- Ask lots of questions, make sure you know what is going on. Even if your child is removed, you can still be your child’s best and most-informed advocate.
- If you are working with any outside agencies to help you or your family, make sure the investigator knows and has their contact information. Knowing that you are already receiving supports may help you.
- An investigator may be able to remedy the situation with additional supports, which may prevent your child from being removed. If you are struggling with managing a situation, work with the investigator to troubleshoot and find a solution.
Ongoing Case Managers respond work with families once the court has ruled on the need for a dependency. The ongoing case manager outlines your case plan for reunification, coordinates visitation, and helps to coordinate you and your child(rens) services.
- You and your case manager should be in contact at least once a month.
- Keep track of all emails, texts and phone calls made to your case manager.
- When talking to your case manager,
- Ask for an outline of what you need to do before your next check-in
- Ask about what they will be doing for you and/ or your child before your next check-in.
- Write down what you need to do and what your case manager will be doing; this will help to ensure you have a clear idea of your path forward.
- If you do not understand what is required of you, ask for more information. This can be a complicated process, asking for additional information to better understand will support your success.
- Attend all meetings for yourself and your child.
- If you are unable to attend a meeting, engage in a service or meet with your case manager, communicate that to your case manager and be honest about why.
- If your case manager understands your hardships, they may be able to navigate that issue with you and resolve it.
- Communicate any concerns you have regarding your child with your case manager.
- If you have concerns that your ongoing case manager is not meeting the needs of you or your family, make sure your attorney is aware of your concerns and discuss a plan to best manage the situation.