Nervous Wife with Social Services

What is the name of your state? Washington
Wife was about 2 blocks away, and the oil furnace begain to smoke, oldest kid (14) called mom, 911, and got the rest of kids out of house. About 4 days later, Mom and 14 year old left and 13 year old son was in charge, he went downstaris and 8 1/2 year old decided to cook on stove (he was told not to, and did it anyway).
A grease fire started and everyone was evacuated, and the 13 year old called 911 . The wife later found out that Fire Chief put Neglect on report and now Social Services are involved. Our kids are not neglected, but they are left home alone,(once in awhile, and not for very long). I am deployed with the military, and not in the states at this time. Social Services or some one contacted the Military to inform my command. Are they allowed to do that ?
And now they want to interview our kids ? Are they allowed to do that ? If yes under what circumstances, as per will Wife also be allowed there at interview or is a lawyer needed, Or can wife just say no to the interview ?

The answer to the question about them contacting you chain of command. They can do that. As for interviewing the kids, I know of one case where the child was interviewed at school, I think so there was no persuation from the parent. But as from what I have seen and read on here children services seems to do different things in different cases.

[kat1963]

Upper right corner "Parents Guide To The System".
[url]http://www.cpswatch.com/oldsite/[/url]

KAT