HopeLine

PARENT HOPELINE FAQs

What is the Parent HopeLine?  The HopeLine is here to offer information, support, and resources to all parents who find themselves involved with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or are at risk of being involved during what can be an overwhelming, uncertain, and traumatic experience.  We bring Hope to parents in need, empowering them to make the best decisions possible for their children and families.

Who is the Parent HopeLine for? The Parent HopeLine is especially effective for parents who have or are being investigated by the DCFS and have not had a petition filed against them, which means the children are still at home, there is not yet an “open case”, and there is no court date.  The HopeLine is dedicated to keeping children at home with their parents and avoiding a petition if possible.

A social worker left a business card on my door today, I am afraid to call them, what do I do now?  While it is important to cooperate with DCFS, we encourage parents to contact our HopeLine prior to further interaction to discuss your questions and options at the earliest possibility. Communication is always the first step.

When is the Parent HopeLine open?  The HopeLine accepts collect calls and messages seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  The line is generally staffed between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If no one picks up and you leave a voicemail with your name, phone number and the reason you are calling, someone will call you back, usually within 24 hours.

Who will answer the phone when I call the Parent HopeLine?  The Parent HopeLine is staffed by Dependency Lawyers and Parent Partners.  Our lawyers serve as court-appointed counsel to parents in thousands of cases every year in Dependency Court.  Parent Partners are parents who have been in the courtroom as clients, have had their children removed and had them returned.  They understand how parents are feeling.  We are all here to share support, resources, and life experience to empower parents to make the best decisions possible for their family.

Will the staff person I speak to be my lawyer in court? No, the staffer supporting you on the Parent HopeLine is not representing you.  No attorney/client relationship will be formed from the phone call.  They will share as much information as they can so that you will be able to make a healthy decision for your family.  Parent Partners know what it is like to feel what you are feeling because they have lived it.

Will the conversation I have with the Parent HopeLine be reported to the social worker?  No, our staff are not “mandated reporters.”  Everything you share with our Parent HopeLine staff is private and kept confidential unless you are threatening to harm yourself or somebody else. We will encourage callers who indicate they may harm themselves or others to seek help and we will link them to that help if possible.

How can I get a lawyer to take my case?  If a dependency case is filed in court, you have the right to have appointed counsel.  Please see our “Parents & the Court” FAQ page and “Dependency at a Glance” on our website.  There are also private attorneys who work in this field who may take your case for a fee.  LADL is not associated with any of those lawyers or firms.

Why would calling the Parent HopeLine benefit me? We can provide you with helpful information to deal with your situation, explain guidelines and procedures and direct you towards resources that may help.  We help ease the stress of not having any answers and guide you through the process.

Is the Parent HopeLine the same thing as the “Parents in Partnership” or PIPs at DCFS?  No.  LADL is a separate organization focused exclusively on helping parents in the dependency system by helping parents keep their children or get them back.  Parents in Partnership otherwise knowns as “PIPs” work for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and do great work but are not affiliated with LADL or the HopeLine and are mandated reporters.