What if the abuser tries to stop the investigation?
If anyone interferes, the court can give the social worker a warrant to continue the investigation. If the social worker believes somebody is abusing you, he or she can also ask the court for a warrant or an order to remove that person from where you live. When does the investigation start? If you are in immediate danger, the Department will start the investigation immediately. Otherwise, the investigation will start within 16 working days of receiving the report. What happens in an investigation? A social worker will come to your home or some other place where you feel safe to explain the reasons for the investigation. He or she will interview you to find out if somebody is neglecting you, or physically, sexually or emotionally abusing you. The social worker will assess your situation to see if your safety and well-being are at risk. The social worker may also interview family members. What happens after the investigation? If somebody is abusing or neglecting you, the social worker wi
