Can DCFS Interviews Be Used in a Criminal Case?
Defending Freedom · Nov 13, 2026 · 1:19
Defending Freedom · Nov 13, 2026 · 1:19
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Illinois criminal defense attorneys Chris Combs and Joshua Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss sex crime investigations, child interviews, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and related criminal charges.
Yes. Interviews and reports from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) may be used during criminal investigations. But information gathered by DCFS is not automatically admissible as evidence at trial.
Courts may consider how statements were obtained, whether interview techniques were reliable, and whether evidence meets Illinois hearsay rules and constitutional requirements. In qualifying cases, 725 ILCS 5/115-10 permits certain child statements if statutory safeguards are satisfied. Defense attorneys may challenge improper questioning, inconsistent statements, and violations of the accused's rights.
In this video, our attorneys discuss how DCFS investigations can overlap with criminal cases, how interviews may influence prosecutors, and how the defense can challenge unreliable evidence. A DCFS finding alone does not establish criminal guilt.
Learn more about Illinois sex crime defense and related charges through Combs Waterkotte:
Facing sex crime allegations in Illinois? Call (618) 88-CRIME or (312) 500-HELP in Chicago and Northern Illinois. Request a free consultation: Contact Combs Waterkotte.
