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Ask for the worker’s name, agency, contact information and the reason for contact, as far as the agency may disclose it. Ask whether the request is voluntary, based on a court order or based on an asserted emergency. Request a copy of any order and written information about your rights.

Useful question: “What exactly are you asking me to do, and what authority are you relying on?”

Ask what a home entry, interview, test, release, safety plan or placement agreement authorizes; how long it lasts; whether it is voluntary; and what the stated consequences are if you decline. Request time to read it, a copy and legal advice. Do not assume all requests are compulsory—or that all can lawfully be refused.

Rules for interviewing children vary, including interviews without parental consent. Do not physically obstruct officials or violate an order. Seek prompt legal help about disputed authority or pressure to sign.

Keep a dated log of what was requested, what was said and which documents you received. Preserve original messages. Check recording laws and court restrictions before recording. Locate a lawyer experienced in parent defense; ask about appointed counsel if a case begins.

Open the record-building guides →

Request the petition, hearing notices and signed orders through the proper route. Record hearing dates and any response, appeal or review deadlines immediately. Ask your lawyer to explain what must be proved and how to raise your response. Do not assume an informal meeting replaces a hearing or filing.

Tell your lawyer promptly about missed notice, a language or disability access need, problems attending, or records you have not received. Confirm how to request an interpreter or accommodation.

Ask how to request appointed counsel if you cannot afford representation. Confirm whom each attorney represents. Discuss access to evidence, presenting documents and witnesses, challenging inaccuracies and making objections through the proper procedure. Ask how disputed facts and requested relief will reach the court record.

Do not assume criminal-case rules apply unchanged to a civil child-welfare case. If a criminal investigation may overlap, tell your lawyer before interviews or testimony.

Keep the case plan, service referrals, visitation arrangements and court orders separately. Ask which terms are ordered, what completion requires, who provides the service and how progress will be documented. Save attendance, payments, communications and any barriers to participation.

If you disagree with an order, ask counsel about clarification, modification, a stay or review. An objection or complaint does not itself suspend an order. Keep child-specific information private.

Tell counsel about another state’s custody order or proceeding, possible Tribal citizenship or eligibility, disability access needs, and language needs. These may involve additional protections or jurisdictional rules. Do not decide jurisdiction from the child’s location alone.

Obtain the signed final or closure order and review its actual terms with counsel. Ask whether custody, visitation, support, registry findings or separate proceedings remain in effect. Agency closure and court dismissal are not interchangeable; closure does not necessarily erase an agency finding.

Keep original orders, notices, the docket, correspondence and a dated index. Ask the agency and court about the lawful process for obtaining records, correcting factual errors, challenging a finding, or seeking sealing or expungement where available. Eligibility, confidentiality and retention rules differ.

Private access does not automatically permit public posting. Use permitted, redacted copies for public-interest outreach and keep children’s identifying details out of submissions.

Ask promptly about appeal, administrative review, post-judgment relief or a potential legal claim. Each has its own requirements and time limits. A misconduct complaint, ombudsman request, public-record request or media submission is a different route; do not assume it extends a legal deadline or can reverse an order.

For oversight outreach, prepare a short issue summary and selected supporting records. Use the reviewer’s packet and evidence index →