***AS A SORT OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY GET BOTH A DURABLE, AND A GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY SIGNED BY YOUR LOVED ONE. WHETHER DHS IS INVOLVED IN YOUR LIFE NOW OR NOT, THE EARLIER YOU GET SUCH A DOCUMENT IN PLACE THE MORE DIFFICULT IT WILL BE FOR THESE UNSCRUPULOUS DEVILS TO SINK THEIR CLAWS INTO YOUR FAMILY UNIT.*** Of course, frankly the DHS doesn't have much respect for such documents.

Anytime you (or a loved one) are approached by the Department of Human Services, you really need to have legal representation. Even if you are certain you have done nothing wrong (as is usually the case) you must realize that once the DHS is involved, their objective is to prove that abuse occurred...period! And, as you can see from our situation, the threshold for what constitutes abuse is frighteningly low.

Do not talk to them! ...This means, neither you nor the alleged victim. Make absolutely sure that you do not confirm or deny anything to these people. They will only twist anything you say, to make their case stronger...and often, they will flat out lie!!!Simply tell them that you want an attorney and you want them present for any questioning. In fact, it might even be better if both you and the alleged victim state that you want your attorney present for questioning (unless the alleged victim is a child, in which case you speak for them)...that way it's more difficult for them to say that you are interfering in them talking to the supposed victim.

DHS procedure:

The DHS' first step is typically to do an interview in order to figure out who has had the responsibility for the care and feeding of a dependent adult or child.

They will of course make it a point to enter the home one way or another, so be prepared for that.

They will take pictures...usually biased in nature. In other words, they will only take pictures of things that will make their case stronger. For example, if the house looks okay from a wide view, they will not take a picture of that. Instead, they will take close ups of certain things...such as a pile of junk in the corner...or a stack of dishes that you haven't gotten around to washing...believe me, this IS how they operate!!!

Also, the DHS does not allow dependent adults to stay in the home alone if they can't walk. So, they will try to get verification that the person has been left alone. Of course, it's okay that you left to go to work, as long as you had someone stay with them while you were gone.

REMEMBER, the DHS is NOT YOUR FRIEND. Those in "protective" services, are NOT there to help you!!! They often come with smiling faces, but remember, they will try to use psychology in order to build rapport with you. They want to lull you into a sense of well-being, just long enough to build their case against you, and take your eldery loved one or your children away.

The DHS sometimes receives anonymous reports over the telephone. And, of course they also receive them from mandatory reporters who give their names. The latter of course have greater crediblity than the former...But make no mistake, they will take action in either situation. Keep in mind, the reports made by a mandatory reporter will most definately receive the full "treatment" from the DHS.

Don't fall for the old line, "well if you don't cooperate, it will look like you are 'hiding' something." They want you to make their job easier...DON'T! It's your job to protect your family and yourself...DO YOUR JOB!

In summary:

1.) Say nothing to them...not you, not your family, not your elder loved one...no one!

2.) Tell them that you want an attorney and you want them present for questioning...PERIOD! ...That's it, don't say another word!

3.) Secure legal counsel. If this is difficult for you due to the costs involved, I recommend you call EVERYONE in town if you have to. There are still decent people out there who want to see justice done. You must become proactive...your family depends on it!

4.) Expect them to search your home...Of course, they call it "inspecting"...Frankly, I call it an invasion!

5.) Stay strong.

***AS A SORT OF PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY GET BOTH A DURABLE, AND A GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY SIGNED BY YOUR LOVED ONE. WHETHER DHS IS INVOLVED IN YOUR LIFE NOW OR NOT, THE EARLIER YOU GET SUCH A DOCUMENT IN PLACE THE MORE DIFFICULT IT WILL BE FOR THESE UNSCRUPULOUS MISCREANTS TO SINK THEIR CLAWS INTO YOUR FAMILY UNIT.***