what lawyer do you need for child protection

While you can use a divorce lawyer to handle custody issues and other legal matters that relate specifically to children, a child protective services lawyer specializes in sensitive cases involving abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of children.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a child protection case?

It is best to retain a lawyer experienced in child protection cases. Your attorney will defend you against the allegations brought against you, and help protect your parental rights.

What does a child abuse lawyer do?

A child abuse lawyer understands issues related to child abuse and neglect, and child physical or emotional abuse claims can arise in a variety of contexts and motives. Sometimes the young victim tells a relative, who then files a lawsuit; at other times, a government agency such as Child Protective Services may press charges.

Why do I need a lawyer for child support?

Having a lawyer on your side will help you provide accurate information so you can ensure the child support order is the right amount needed to properly care for your child. A lawyer may also help with your child custody case: Issues of child custody, in many cases, come hand-in-hand with child support cases.

How do I hire a child support lawyer near me?

Use FindLaw to hire a local child support lawyer near you to set child support obligations, enforce child support orders, and resolve other child support issues.

How do I get my CPS case dismissed in PA?

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.

How long can CPS keep a case open in PA?

The case could stay open until the child reaches the age of 21 if he / she is in a program of instruction—such as school, college, or training—or are in treatment.

What can CPS do in PA?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, CPS will then either immediately remove the children from your care. Or, CPS could give you an opportunity to take care of the identified issues if they do not believe the children are in immediate danger or risk of injury.

What are my rights with Cys in PA?

CYF is required to check reports of child abuse and neglect. If CYF thinks your child cannot safely remain with you, CYF must tell the judge or master. You have a right to be told when there are court dates concerning you, your child and your family. You also have a right to tell what happened at the court dates.

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.

What are the 4 types of child neglect?

What is Neglect? ... Types of Child Neglect.Physical Neglect. ... Educational Neglect. ... Emotional Neglect. ... Medical Neglect. ... What You Can Do to Help.

How long does a CPS investigation take in PA?

within 30 daysCaseworkers typically complete the investigation within 30 days and submit the results to ChildLine. If agency representatives cannot complete the investigation within 30 days, the CCYA must document the reasons and complete the investigation within 60 days.

What CPS can and Cannot do?

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.

What happens when a CPS case is indicated in PA?

What happens if the CPS Report is indicated? If you are named as a subject in a CPS report and it is ultimately “indicated,” all that means is that your name will appear on the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment until the youngest child named in the report turns 28.

What can be used against you in a custody battle?

The Reigning King of What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle: Verbal or Physical Altercations. We wanted to start with the most simple pitfall to avoid: When tempers get high, it's quite alluring to get into a verbal sparring match with your ex-spouse.

How do I get full custody in PA?

You should bring any important papers and information such as previous custody orders, protection from abuse orders, the opposing party's address, and social security numbers for all parties. In many PA counties, you must complete your own petition, according to the rules of your county court, and take it to court.

At what age can a child refuse visitation in Pennsylvania?

At What Age Can My Child Refuse Visitation? Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific age at which a child can refuse to see a parent or comply with a custody order. In fact, Pennsylvania law defines a "child" as an unemancipated individual under 18 years of age.

What can CPS do and 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.

How does a CPS investigation work in Pennsylvania?

In a CPS investigation, the CCYA has 24 hours to begin its investigation and see the child. If agency representatives cannot determine from the report that the child is safe, representatives must immediately begin the investigation and immediately see the child.

Who oversees CPS in PA?

Pennsylvania's Child Welfare System is a state supervised and county administered. Every county has a Children and Youth Services Agency that organizes and manages the services that are available in that county. The name of the Children and Youth Services Agency may vary in each county.

What is considered child neglect in PA?

(1) A repeated, prolonged or egregious failure to supervise a child in a manner that is appropriate considering the child's developmental age and abilities. (2) The failure to provide a child with adequate essentials of life, including food, shelter or medical care.