am i entitled to a lawyer when child protective services investigates me

by Emily Wisozk 10 min read

You have the right to consult with a lawyer at any point in the investigation at your own expense. If DFPS files a lawsuit regarding your children, you may ask the court for a lawyer to represent you. The court may or may not be able to provide you with a lawyer based on court rules and your financial situation.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a child protection investigation?

4: The minute you become aware that your family is being investigated, YOU MUST find an attorney who has experience in fighting CPS or DCFS. An attorney EXPERIENCED in CPS and DCFS cases and courts is mandatory! Juvenile Dependency courts are worlds unto themselves.

What do you think about Child Protective Services?

Jul 25, 2021 — But you are not entitled to a court appointed lawyer during a CPS go to court and show that you are going to fight the CPS petition. (5) … Our Team INVESTIGATES & FIGHTS for Your PARENTAL RIGHTS & puts a STOP & END to Court/Judicial, DSS, CPS, Fraud and Corruption. “You helped me very much, in fact (6) … 3.

Do I need a lawyer for a CPS investigation?

 · Parents who know their rights, and know what CPS is legally allowed to do will make CPS visits as stress-free as possible. If you need to speak to a family lawyer today, call (844) 934-2387 and press 2 when you hear the voice recording play. A CPS investigation can last for up to 18 months!

Does Child Protective Services have the power to open a case?

The court will appoint a different attorney to represent your child. Information about other ways to get the help you need if CFSA cannot help your family. Refuse to take part in our investigation. However, it is in your best interest to cooperate. If you don’t, CFSA may seek help from the police or …

Take Any Accusations Seriously.

No matter how absurd or unbelievable the CPS/DCFS social worker’s claim(s) may seem, please understand that the social worker is dead serious, and...

Ask What The Accusations and Charges are.

Most typically, the CPS/DCFS social worker wants to keep you from knowing exactly what you have been accused of — sort of keeping themselves on a “...

Say as Little as possible. in Fact – Be Quiet!

In criminal law it is ALWAYS strongly suggested that you talk to NO ONE but your attorney. Think about it. Virtually ALL CHARGES that CPS or DCFS l...

The Minute You Become Aware That Your Family Is Being Investigated, You Must Find An Attorney Who Has Experience in Fighting CPS Or DCFS.

An attorney EXPERIENCED in CPS and DCFS cases and courts is mandatory! Juvenile Dependency courts are worlds unto themselves. Your most seasoned an...

Be Courteous and Polite to CPS Social Workers & Investigators.

Let’s face it, when a “government investigator” –without any advanced notice– knocks insistently on your door, well-dressed, looking all official w...

Never Invite Any CPS Or DCFS Social Worker Or Investigator Into Your Home Unless He Or She Has A Warrant Or Court Order.

If a County CPS/DCFS social worker requests that you invite them into your home politely refuse. If he or she insists or suggests that not allowing...

Demand That CPS Tape Any Interrogation of Your Child.

Subjective reports of what a child said or did not say is hardly ever adequate. Ask that any interrogation be recorded. You could produce your own...

If You Are Accused of Physical Abuse, Immediately Have Your Doctor Give Your Child A Thorough Physical Exam.

Ask your doctor to write a letter stating that there are no bruises or injuries observed, nor any other health-related issues that would raise any...

Create A List of relatives and Friends Who Are Willing and Able to Care For Your Children If CPS Takes them.

If your children are removed from your home, or the court is demanding that your children must soon leave your home for some period of time it is a...

Never Admit Guilt, Even If Pressured by A CPS Social Worker to Do So in Exchange For Leniency Or Getting Your Kids back.

If you are innocent of neglect or abuse why would you buckle to the pressure of a CPS agent’s demands to have you admit to false accusations? If yo...

Why Is A CFSA Social Worker Contacting Me?

CFSA received a report that your child may have been abused or neglected—or is at risk of abuse or neglect. District law requires CFSA to investiga...

Who’S Saying My Child Is Abused Or Neglected?

Anyone who thinks a child has been abused or neglected can all CFSA’s 24-hour hotline at (202) 671-SAFE. Sometimes, neighbors, friends, relatives,...

What Happens When CFSA Gets A Report?

We assign a social worker from CFSA Child Protective Services (CPS) to investigate, usually within 24 hours of getting the report. The social worke...

Who Will The Social Worker Talk to?

The social worker will talk to you, your children, and others living in your home. The social worker will also contact people who know you and your...

Does The Social Worker Have to Talk to My Child?

Yes. The social worker must see and speak to all children living in your home. Even if a report is about only one of your children, CFSA must see a...

What If I Don’T Want to Talk to The Social Worker?

It is in your best interest to cooperate with our investigation. This is a good opportunity to tell your side of the story. But even if you do not...

Will You Take My Children Away from Me?

Many children CFSA serves stay at home with their families. Our goal is to keep families together whenever possible. Your social worker may help yo...

What Happens After The Investigation?

Usually within 30 days, the social worker will use information collected during the investigation to decide what happened. CFSA will send you a let...

What Kinds of Help Can CFSA Give My Family?

We can arrange for many helping services for you and your family. Some may be in your neighborhood and might include: 1. Counseling. 2. Parent educ...