A former family case manager at the Indiana Department of Child Services faces multiple charges, including official misconduct and falsifying records related to child abuse or neglect.
Formerly a Bartholomew County case manager, Elizabeth Funk was charged in September with ghost labor and three counts of official misconduct — all felonies — and felony counts of theft and counterfeiting of child abuse or neglect.
The charges were filed in Bartholomew County after an investigation by the state’s inspector general’s office. Court records show that Funk falsified multiple “311” reports, the first review of allegations of child abuse or neglect.
For subscribers: a boy has sexually abused a maximum of 15 children. His predecessor relative protected him.
The Inspector General’s office was asked to investigate in February last year, after Funk’s supervisor returned an assessment that the IG report said was incomplete and flawed and had no evidence that she had contacted the concerned. family. Further investigation revealed similar issues in previous reviews.
According to a report from the Inspector General’s office dated Oct. 1, Funk falsely documented contact with four families on her file and received travel reimbursements for trips she never made. to an elementary school in Franklin — but school officials told investigators there was no record of her making such a visit.
According to the Inspector General’s report, Funk told investigators in an interview that she had no client in Franklin that would have required her to make such a trip to grade school.
“Funk claimed she did not remember any of the DCS cases or families she was required to review,” the inspector general’s report reads. “Funk claimed she had a heavy caseload at the time and it was not uncommon to be pressured by DCS supervisors to close cases.”
Funk’s attorney declined to comment when IndyStar reached out to him. A DCS spokesperson told IndyStar the agency had no comment on the allegations.
Funk is expected to appear before a jury in April 2022.
You can reach IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at holly.hays@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.
What can’t CPS do in Indiana?
CPS cannot enter your home without your permission. While CPS may appear in your home without notice, they cannot enter without your permission. On the same subject : Indiana Department of Health hosting vaccine clinic in Warrick Co.. Unless CPS has a court order, or they believe your child is in immediate danger, they cannot enter your home unless you tell them it is okay.
What does CPS look for during a home visit to Indiana? A CPS investigator will look for objects or hazards that could cause choking, suffocation, strangulation, or poisoning, so it’s vital to thoroughly inspect your home for those hazards before the CPS home visit. Danger of slipping and falling and tripping and falling.
What rights does CPS have in Indiana?
Indiana’s Child Protective Services (CPS), protects the children of Indiana from further abuse or neglect and prevents, corrects or helps solve problems that could lead to child abuse, neglect, exploitation or crime. This may interest you : Indiana.
What happens if you ignore CPS in Indiana?
You must notify the local police or local child protection services (CPS) if you believe a child is being abused or neglected. CPS will then investigate the situation. If you fail to report a suspected abuse, you could be charged with a crime.
How long can a CPS case stay open Indiana?
CPS may recommend that the family voluntarily participate in services for up to six months. No CHINS case will be filed in court unless the family does not participate in the services. This is called a Service Referral Agreement (SRA).
What are my rights with DCS Indiana?
Parents’ rights in dealing with DCS in Indiana The right to a detention hearing by a court within 48 hours of the child’s removal from the home and the right to request the child’s return at such hearing. Right to be represented by a lawyer in any judicial proceeding on the CHINS petition.
Does CPS ever do anything?
Child Protective Services (CPS) is a division of your state’s social services that is responsible for the assessment, investigation, and intervention regarding cases of child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse. See the article : 3,005 new COVID-19 cases and 3 additional deaths reported in Indiana. In all of its procedures, CPS must follow state and federal laws.
Is it worth it to call CPS?
If you suspect that a child has been physically abused, you can call the CPS. You may notice bruises, cuts, or other signs of physical injury on their bodies. … “If you suspect abuse or neglect, call them,†she told SheKnows. “You don’t have to look any further – just call.
Does CPS actually do anything?
CPS is required by law to investigate every report. You may have heard it before, and it’s the truth. CPS is required by law to investigate every report received. However, there are instances where they do not investigate or the case is closed without investigation.
What do you do when CPS won’t do anything?
Contact your state legislature/governor/district attorney’s office and ask for assistance. Report the CPS office behind this unacceptable recommendation. Don’t take no for an answer… be persistent. Call them, write them, go to their office in person and tell them you need help.
How long does it take for DCS to investigate?
In most cases, Child Protective Services has approximately 45 days to investigate reports of neglect, dependence and abuse. If the investigation lasts longer than 45 days, the agency must immediately notify the family of the extension.
HOW LONG DOES A DFS Study Take? The response time of a case is 24 to 72 hours, depending on the case. Some factors, such as screening and routing, may take a little longer.
What happens when DCS opens a case?
If the child or anyone else confirms the allegations, DCS may file a case in the Juvenile Court, bring the allegations to the attention of the court and request that the child be removed from your care. The court may prohibit you from having contact with your child.
What happens when a CPS case is opened?
Once the CPS case is opened, you will be in a position where you will largely abide by the agency’s rules. A CPS case differs from a custody or divorce case in that the agency and family courts set the timeline if your case would reach that stage.
What happens when DCS?
What happens after I call? If a call from a mandated reporter meets the five criteria and the Child Abuse Reporting Center registers the report, CPS must follow up and investigate. … The child may be examined for physical signs of abuse or neglect. The CPS case worker also contacts the mandated reporter who initiated the call.
Does DCS have to tell you who called?
The Children and Family (DCF) department may not give you the name of the person you have indicated. … Sometimes the person making the report doesn’t even give their name to DCF.
How do you know if CPS was called on you?
Another way you can find out that you are being investigated by CPS is if CPS shows up at your door unannounced. If you are not at home they will leave a business card and ask you to call you back. They won’t tell you why they want to talk to you.
Can I find out who reported me to social services?
No one but Social Services will ever know that you are the one who made the report. The coordinator and case worker are the only ones likely to know your name and not disclose it to the abuser, victim, or anyone else.
Will CPS call you before they come?
The simple answer is yes. The longer answer is that CPS will usually try to see your child before they talk to you. … Even if the child has bruising or physical evidence of abuse or neglect, the examiner will try to get to that child before the evidence is gone.
What are the steps of a CPS investigation?
Child protection
- Accept the case.
- Intervene in the crisis, if necessary.
- Apply Family Preservation and Support Services for some families.
- Assess or identify problems, collect facts and clarify the problems.
- Plan and deliver services, set goals, identify resources and timelines.
- Document the case.
What does CPS look for in an investigation?
CPS looks for all hazards that can lead to burns in children, including electrical equipment, chemicals and thermal contact. Fire hazard. Keep flammable objects far away from open flames in the house. A CPS investigator may also ask if your home is equipped with smoke detectors.
What are my rights with DCS Indiana?
Parents’ rights in dealing with DCS in Indiana The right to a detention hearing by a court within 48 hours of the child’s removal from the home and the right to request the child’s return at such hearing. Right to be represented by a lawyer in any judicial proceeding on the CHINS petition.
Can you sue DCS in Indiana? In general, the answer is no, but there are some exceptions. The reason DCS usually cannot be prosecuted is because they are a government agency and have immunity from lawsuits.
What rights does CPS have in Indiana?
Indiana’s Child Protective Services (CPS), protects the children of Indiana from further abuse or neglect and prevents, corrects or helps solve problems that could lead to child abuse, neglect, exploitation or crime.
How long can a CPS case stay open Indiana?
CPS may recommend that the family voluntarily participate in services for up to six months. No CHINS case will be filed in court unless the family does not participate in the services. This is called a Service Referral Agreement (SRA).
What happens if you ignore CPS in Indiana?
You must notify the local police or local child protection services (CPS) if you believe a child is being abused or neglected. CPS will then investigate the situation. If you fail to report a suspected abuse, you could be charged with a crime.
How do you fight DCS?
9 CRITICAL TIPS TO COMBAT DCS
- Be nice and polite. …
- Ask what the allegations are. …
- Shut up. …
- Don’t allow DCS in your home… at all. …
- Record everything. …
- NEVER admit guilt or liability. …
- DO NOT voluntarily submit to drug screening. …
- Do NOT sign ANYTHING.
Is DCS the same as CPS?
If you are ever approached by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), commonly referred to as CPS (Child Protective Service), you need to know your rights and what to expect. A DCS study can be a very intimidating process and interacting with DCS can be frustrating and confusing.
How do you fight DCF?
What happens if DCS is called?
What happens after I call? If a call from a mandated reporter meets the five criteria and the Child Abuse Reporting Center registers the report, CPS must follow up and investigate. … The child may be examined for physical signs of abuse or neglect. The CPS case worker also contacts the mandated reporter who initiated the call.
Can CPS show up unannounced?
Often, CPS researchers show up unannounced. … If the CPS employee doesn’t have a warrant, they will likely leave and ask you and your attorney to schedule a time for an interrogation.
Can CPS appear randomly? Additional Resources Provided by the Author If you are being investigated by CPS, please call us. We can help.
Why would CPS show up unannounced?
Unannounced visits are common in suspected abuse or violent behavior. This is to prevent the parents from behaving their best and to get rid of incriminating evidence.
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