Social Workers

Social workers are employees of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which is the agency that investigates child abuse or neglect and coordinates foster care and adoption for Los Angeles County. At the beginning of a dependency case, emergency response social workers investigate whether reports of child abuse or neglect are legitimate. Other social workers work closely with families to arrange for services for children and their parents, coordinate visitation, and assist foster parents if necessary. 

Social workers are the individuals most directly involved in family life and play an important role in the dependency court. They report to the judge on the welfare of the children and new developments in family life. They inform the judge how far the parents have progressed in their court-ordered programs. They also make recommendations to the judge on where the children should be placed, how much visitation should be ordered, and what programs the parents should enroll in. Because of the important role that social workers play and their familiarity with the family, judges rely on these reports and recommendations when they decide a case. 

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