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DOS
AND DON'TS
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DO . . .
- put your children first
- contact an experienced attorney the moment DSS gets in touch with you
- realize that an interview by DSS could lead to criminal charges and/or removal of your children
- defer to your attorney's expertise
- file for a fair hearing within 30 days of the date of the DSS letter supporting the 51A
- follow your service plan
- keep a detailed calendar of all appointments, dates, phone calls, court hearings, foster care review meetings, and any and all DSS involvement
- ask the social worker for the names and telephone numbers of his or her supervisor, Area Program Manager, and Area Director
DON'T . . .
- go it alone
- talk to DSS without first speaking to your attorney
- be intimidated by the social worker who asks, "Why did you get an attorney . . . ?" leaving the rest of the question, ". . . if you didn't do anything wrong?" unspoken.
- sign ANYTHING – releases, consent forms, waiver, service plans, etc. – until your attorney has reviewed them
- answer DSS questions that haven't been asked
- be afraid to ask your attorney any questions
- ever give up - DSS involvement can be very stressful
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