What to do if…
you receive a notice to attend a meeting about a complaint involving your child

What to do now

1. Put the notice in front of you and write down only the basics.
   Note the sender, agency or school name, phone number, email address, meeting date, location, case or reference number, and the exact words used to describe the complaint.

2. Verify the notice using an official contact route.
   Look up the school, agency, child welfare office, or police department through its official website or main public number. Do not rely only on a number in the letter or text message. Ask: “Can you confirm this notice is real, who is assigned to it, and what kind of meeting this is?”

3. Identify the process before you talk about facts.
   Ask whether this is a school discipline or safety meeting, a CPS or child welfare assessment, a family team or safety-planning meeting, a court-related meeting, or a law-enforcement interview.

4. Ask what is required and what is voluntary.
   Calmly ask: “Is this court-ordered?” “Am I legally required to attend on this date?” “Is my child expected to be interviewed?” “May I reschedule to obtain legal advice?” Ask for the answer in writing if possible.

5. If police or other law enforcement want to question you, pause detailed discussion.
   You can say: “I want to remain silent and I want to speak with a lawyer.” After saying that, do not keep explaining, defending, or guessing. You can still provide basic identifying information if required.

6. If it is CPS or child welfare, keep the first contact controlled.
   Rules and names differ by state. Ask what the concern is in general terms, who will attend, whether your child may be spoken to, whether your attorney may attend, and whether one support person is allowed. If you are being asked to sign a safety plan or agreement, ask for a copy and time to review it before signing.

7. If it is a school meeting, ask for the written policy and allegation summary.
   Ask what school rule or student-safety policy is involved, whether discipline is being considered, who will attend, whether notes will be taken, and how you can receive a copy of any written record.

8. Make a small factual packet, not a defence essay.
   Gather the notice, relevant school emails, attendance or discipline records you already have, appointment dates if relevant, and contact information for involved professionals. Keep it to dates, times, names, and documents.

9. Prepare three short phrases so shock does not make you overshare.
   Use calm, repeatable wording:

   • “I want to understand the exact concern before answering detailed questions.”
   • “I am not comfortable giving a detailed statement without legal advice.”
   • “I will review anything in writing before agreeing or signing.”

10. If the meeting is very soon, ask for a practical reschedule.
    Say: “I need time to obtain legal advice,” “I need an interpreter,” or “I need to arrange childcare or transportation.” Ask them to confirm the new date, time, and purpose in writing.