Full Answer
Department of Social Services 1225 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Unfortunately, how you parent can be judged and misunderstood by others, leading to allegations of abuse or neglect, or in some situations – DSS investigations. Under North Carolina law, the Division of Social Services (DSS) is in charge of investigating reports of child abuse and neglect.
At Hutchens Law Firm, our Fayetteville child custody attorney understands the complex legal issues associated with custody and visitation and wants to help protect what you value most - your children. Our firm will provide comprehensive representation for individuals pursuing child support, as well as for those obligated to pay support.
E-mailing us is an efficient and easy way to get the information you need in a timely manner. Request for information or to send general comments please send us an email at dssweb@dhhs.nc.gov. It is our division policy to respond to all email within 5 business days.
You can, but you have an uphill battle against the state department of social services (DSS) in court. If you believe that they have discriminated against you or removed your child for no reason, you may be able to sue in federal court.
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.
about 45 daysOnce a social worker has completed the investigative assessment, they will determine whether the allegations of abuse or neglect are substantiated or not. This can take weeks or months but usually last about 45 days.
Typically, sole custody, both legal and physical, is only awarded when the judge determines a parent is not fit due to issues such as:History of abusing the child.History of abusing the other party.Drug or alcohol abuse.Inability to provide a safe, stable environment.Physical and emotional health problems.
A child is neglected if the child does not receive proper care, supervision, or discipline, from the child's parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker; or the child has been abandoned. A child is neglected if the child lives in an environment injurious to the child's welfare.
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 is Neglect? ... Types of Child Neglect.Physical Neglect. ... Educational Neglect. ... Emotional Neglect. ... Medical Neglect. ... What You Can Do to Help.
If they suspect a child might be at risk of harm, they have to look into the child's situation and take steps to keep them safe. They might decide to put the child on a protection plan. They may interview or medically examine your child without you present.
Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603, telephone 919-855-4800. The form for filing a complaint is appended to the end of this Grievance Procedure.
Mental and Physical Well-Being of Parents Parents' mental well-being is of great concern to a judge in a child custody case. Psychological disorders, overwhelming stress, drug or alcohol abuse, and mental health crises can prevent a parent from acting in their child's best interests.
The court considers many different factors relating to the child's physical, emotional, and mental well-being, including: Age of the child. Specific needs of the child. Ability of each parent to provide for the child.
In most civil cases, each party is required to pay his or her own attorney's fees. However, family law is one of the few areas of the law where there is a legal basis for one party to pay the other party's legal fees. The basis for the payment of attorney's fees is found in North Carolina Statutes.