In part three of this series we have informed you of the very basics on the "CPS hotline" and how it functions in conjunction with the process of allegations and "Administrative Law". We have talked about what Administrative Law is, and how you entered the door of this type of law as a foster parent. However, foster parents are not the only ones who answer to this type of law.
- Also, we have teachers, fire fighters, police officers and many more.
Now continuing our review of what we learned about Administrative Law, we discovered that it is contract law. You became obligated via the contract you signed with your agency, you agreed to their rules and regulations.
Now lets continue; As a foster parent when your investigation is completed your are; if founded, substantiated, (AZ) or indicated you will be notified of the date set for your Administrative Inquiry/Hearing. This is where the evidence gathered against you during the investigation is presented. Next step on to the Hearing.
The investigation can take weeks/months to complete. During this time, you will not be informed of anything regarding how the investigation is going or the charges against you. Sometimes you are not aware of the investigation until you notice the signs, like your social worker not returning your calls, she cannot, you have been accused of "child abuse". Other signs are neighbors, or friends informing you that CPS stopped by their homes, your school informing you that CPS came to the school today.
- There is little you can do while waiting for the Administrative Inquiry. Nothing that you can do will speed up this process; they will take as long as they need to complete this investigation.
However, what you can do is start preparing to defend yourself. For example, are you familiar with your State Statutes applicable to foster parents? What are your rights? When you receive your copy of the investigative report via U.S. Mail it will reveal what you are accused of and whether you have been substantiated, indicated, founded. What we are saying here is this paperwork will cite the statute you are charged with, or the rules and regulation. Are you familiar with the statutes for you state? Most of us are not, however, if you are playing in a sandbox where these laws are applicable you need to be.
Often said; "its Greek to me".
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