The interview is later used as the basis for the department's case for removing children from the home. The children often are interviewed later by counselors or therapists. Questions would be prepared and agreed upon ahead of time, and additional questions could be suggested to the interviewer through an earpiece. Interviews would have to be videotaped and copies made available to parents and others. Another Plowman proposal would require DHS to disclose to parents accused of abuse or neglect their court options and any evidence, examinations or anything provided by psychologists.
Social workers are now immune from lawsuits.
One of Plowman's bills would change that. Plowman cited one case of a grandmother who sought custody of her two granddaughters. The DHS gave the woman custody of one child, Plowman said. When she pursued the issue in an effort to get the other child, caseworkers demanded to search the closets and cupboards in her home. And she didn't get custody of the second little girl.