If you find yourself involved in a case with the department of child support services or a similar state or county agency, you certainly want to know what needs to be done to close the case when the time comes. Although terminology differs from one state to another, including the name of the agency with authority over child abuse and neglect matters, the process for closing a case with this type of social services agency is similar, no matter where you reside, according to the American Bar Association Section of Family Law.
Step 1
Review the reintegration plan. A child support services agency drafts what commonly is called a reintegration plan. The plan sets forth the requirements you must satisfy as a parent to resolve the issues raised in the initial complaint against you. These requirements can include such steps as completing a parenting class or substance abuse treatment.
Step 2
Undertake all requirements set forth in the reintegration plan.
Step 3
Advise the case worker as you complete each phase of the reintegration plan. Maintaining contact with your case worker is important, including status updates.
Step 4
Notify the caseworker, in writing, when you believe you have completed all parts of the reintegration plan. Either deliver the notification in person or via certified mail so that you can confirm this notice at a future date, if necessary.
Step 5
Attend the final meeting with the caseworker--or court hearing, if the judicial branch is involved--to obtain formal notification of the termination and closing of your case.
Tips and Warnings
- If you believe you have satisfied all of the requirements of the reintegration plan, and the agency will not close your case, consider retaining an attorney. The American Bar Association maintains resources designed to assist you in finding legal representation. These include information about attorneys available for hire as well as contact information for organizations that provide no-cost representation to men and women who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
Things You'll Need
- Reintegration plan
References
- American Bar Association: Section of Family Law
- "Child Abuse and Culture: Working with Diverse Families"; Lisa Aronson Fontes; 2008
- FindLaw: Family Law Center
