Administrative Appeals

Department for Children and Family (DCF), Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Missouri Division of Family Services (DFS), CA/N (Child Abuse/Neglect) Investigations and Administrative Appeals 

Administrative appeals are available for parents, grandparents, child care workers and other people who are given substantiated findings related to abuse, neglect, mental health or other harm, typically towards children. Administrative appeals are a right created through statutes in Kansas and Missouri. Often, after a substantiated finding, there are very tight/limited timelines to appeal or otherwise address an unfavorable finding that you disagree with. It is vital to have an attorney familiar with the process involved (while the investigation is occurring ideally, or immediately following your receipt of the probable cause or substantiated finding). There are very specific filings/requests that must be made and a burden that must be proved through policies and procedures of a tedious administrative process. 

If you have found yourself the subject of a child or adult abuse or neglect investigation, please know that many substantiated findings have been determined by state agencies that are unfairly entered. Contact Pingel Family Law today at (816) 208-8130 to discuss the rights you have, the administrative appellate review process and how our office can help you protect your rights and interest going forward. If allegations are pending, we can assist you in attending meetings with state social workers and police to ensure that your rights are protected, to ensure the best possible outcome.