You have rights and responsibilities while you are involved with the DFCS of Family and Children's Services (DFCS). The normal hours of operation for DFCS are 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. In case of emergencies, contact may be made after hours, weekends, and/or on state holidays by contacting your local law enforcement.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:
* Know what has been reported to DFCS about your family;
* Participate in decisions affecting your family;
* Have office phone numbers and office addresses for your worker and your worker's supervisor;
* Participate in any court hearings held in your case;
* Refuse any service or treatment recommended by DFCS unless court ordered;
* Know the status of your case and when it is nearing closure;
* Have your Native American (Indian) ancestry recognized and respected. (We will tell the Bureau of Indian Affairs about our involvement with your family and follow the tribe's decisions for handling your case);
* Be treated with dignity and respect and receive services without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or political affiliation;
* And, file a formal grievance
CONFIDENTIALITY:
Your family's information is confidential and private. We will not disclose any information without your written permission or by order of the court. However, information may be shared with medical providers, law enforcement, the Office of the District Attorney, and the youth court without your written permission. We may contact other people regarding the safety and well-being of your child.
Confidentiality laws additionally limit the information we can share with you. We are not able to name the reporter in any investigation, tell you what anyone else said, or give you a copy of any
Miss. Code. tit. 18, pt. 6, ch. 1, 18-6-1-D, 18-6-1-D-XII, app 18-6-1-D-XII-N