should i have a lawyer when speaking to child protection services

by Tristian Shanahan MD 9 min read

You have the right to hire an attorney before you speak with child services. If you agree to an interview with a CPS agent before consulting an attorney, the worker may report anything you say in the final court documents.

Suppose you are unable to afford an attorney. In that case, you can be provided with one by the court, especially when your parental rights are at risk of being terminated concerning the CPS investigation. However, even before your case makes it to court, it is critical to have an attorney representing you.

Full Answer

Do I need an attorney to speak to a CPS agent?

Sep 30, 2018 · You have the right to hire an attorney before you speak with child services. If you agree to an interview with a CPS agent before consulting an attorney, the worker may report anything you say in the final court documents.

Do you need legal advice about Child Protective Services?

Jan 18, 2016 · Many times CPS investigators show up unannounced. If you have utilized an attorney before, you can tell the CPS investigator that you want time to call your attorney and have your attorney present for any questioning. If the CPS worker does not have a warrant, they will likely leave and ask you and your attorney to schedule a time to be interviewed.

Do I need a lawyer for a child custody case?

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.

How do I sue Child Protective Services?

Keep your house clean. Offer a sit and some coffee to your CPS worker. Be polite while talking to her. Explain her your routine chores. Show her some family pictures that reflect a happy family life and happiness of your child with you two. Also, you should prepare your child well in advance.

image

What cant CPS do in Georgia?

CPS can investigate reports, even if they are false. Mandated reporters are required to report any suspected child abuse. It is illegal for them not to do so. Mandated reporters include doctors, lawyers and therapists. Of course, other people can make reports as well.Jan 21, 2020

How do you beat CPS in Texas?

In many circumstances, the best way to beat the case is to go for a dismissal. In Texas, a Child Protective Service case may be dismissed should the judge deem there to be a lack of evidence to warrant such an investigation or indictment, or if CPS is satisfied that certain circumstances are met.Dec 30, 2020

What cant CPS do in Virginia?

Under Virginia law, a CPS worker CANNOT REQUIRE you to give up the care of your child to a friend or relative. However, the worker CAN SUGGEST you find a friend or relative to care for your child outside of your home if she believes your child cannot safely stay with you. child to live with you.Aug 21, 2015

What can CPS not do in PA?

CPS cannot enter your home without your permission. Although CPS can show up to your home without notice, they cannot enter without your consent. Unless CPS has a court order, or they believe your child is in immediate danger, they can't enter your home unless you say it's okay.Jun 15, 2020

How do I get a CPS case dismissed in Texas?

Remember: CPS can dismiss your case at any time they feel the child is in no real danger or if all agreements, services and requested tasks have been completed. A judge can also dismiss a case if CPS fails to provide sufficient evidence of abuse or neglect.Mar 2, 2021

Can you sue CPS in Texas?

For starters, filing a lawsuit against the government, of which CPS is a part, is very difficult to do. I don't want to take up a great deal of time discussing the legalities of using the state of Texas, but legally speaking, it is possible to file a lawsuit against Child Protective Services.

Can CPS drug test you in Virginia?

Is that legal?: The short answer is legally yes they can ask. The law allows CPS to request a parent take a drug test and there is no penalty to CPS or the State by the investigator making a simple request.

What are my rights against CPS?

You have the right to a court appointed attorney if CPS files a lawsuit again you. You can deny any allegations made by the CPS. You have the right to attend all court hearings about your case. If you do not know English, you have the right to an interpreter.

How long does CPS have to investigate a case in Virginia?

45-60 daysindividuals who may be able to help the family if services are needed to keep the child safe. family. The Code of Virginia requires a CPS investigation be completed in 45-60 days from the date of the report.

Can social services take my child away without evidence?

Can social services take my child away? Social services will usually only take a child away from their parents if they believe that the child is at risk of harm or neglect in their current circumstances. They are obliged to investigate any complaints or concerns reported to them.Jun 22, 2018

How long can CPS keep a case open in PA?

The CPS Investigation Process The county division of CPS has 24 hours to open an investigation and make contact with the child in question. This usually entails going to the child's home, seeing the child, and speaking with their parents or legal guardians.

What does CPS look for in a home visit?

Many people wonder, “What does CPS look for in a home visit?” The major factors are making sure the home is a safe place for the child. For example, they look at the quality of the sleeping conditions, how much food is available, and if the child has enough clothing to determine if there's any sign of neglect.

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...

Roles of CPS and The Juvenile Court

  • Each state has government agencies in charge of looking after the wellbeing of children. The names of these agencies differ, but they are often referred to as “child protective services” or “CPS” for short. CPS investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect. The individuals from CPS who handle these investigations are usually social workers. A CPS social worker who concludes …
See more on lawyers.com

Family Reunification Services

  • “Family reunification services” are the means by which parents get back custody of their children. Basically, after removal, the social worker will come up with a “case plan” to remedy the family’s issues that resulted in CPS involvement. For instance, if the children were removed because of domestic violence in the home, the parents’ case plan might include: 1. domestic violence preve…
See more on lawyers.com

Visitation

  • Parents are entitled to reasonable visitation during juvenile dependency cases. (Generally, visitation can be terminated only if the parent’s conduct during visits puts the child at risk of serious physical or emotional harm.) Much like with reunification services, how parents do with visitation can have a big impact on whether they ultimately regain custody. So, parents want to …
See more on lawyers.com

Dealing with Social Workers

  • In addition to working directly with the family, social workers have a duty to report the family’s progress and make recommendations to the juvenile court. The social worker does this by periodically filing progress reports with the court. Judges rely heavily on these reports when making decisions in the case. Social workers are supposed to be neut...
See more on lawyers.com