CPS Investigations in Orange County: Understanding the Process in 2023 – CPS Lawyer

CPS Investigations in Orange County: Understanding the Process

This article will discuss what CPS is and what the CPS investigation process generally entails. If you are being contacted by social workers, you should consult with an attorney immediately.

What is CPS?

Child Protective Services (CPS) is an agency responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Social workers work for CPS.

When CPS receives a report of alleged child abuse or neglect, they send their social workers to investigate whether the allegations are true.

In Orange County, California, the CPS investigations are handled by the Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA).

What Does the CPS Process Look Like?

The CPS investigation process typically involves several steps. The first step is the intake process, where a CPS social worker gathers information about the alleged abuse or neglect.

The CPS social worker will ask questions about the child, the alleged abuser, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse. You can and should have a lawyer present with you during this stage.

If the CPS social worker determines that the allegations meet the criteria for abuse or neglect, the case will move forward to the next step.

The next step in the CPS investigation process is the assessment stage. During this stage, a CPS social worker will visit the home where the alleged abuse or neglect occurred to assess the child’s safety.

The CPS social worker will also interview the child, the alleged abuser, and other individuals who may have information relevant to the case. Again, it is always best to have a lawyer with you whenever a social worker comes to your house or has questions for you or your children.

What Happens if a Social Worker Thinks My Child May Be Abused or Neglected?

If the CPS social worker determines that the child is in immediate danger, they may remove the child from the home and place them in foster care or with a relative.

If the child in question is not in danger of abuse or neglect, but the social worker has concerns about their safety, the CPS worker may develop a safety plan with the family to ensure the child’s safety.

When Does an Investigation Turn into a Case?

After the assessment stage, the case may move on to the juvenile dependency court if the child is at risk of harm.

At this point, an experienced CPS lawyer should become involved in the case. Parents have a constitutional right to have a lawyer represent them during these proceedings. You should hire an experienced lawyer who knows the law and who knows how to fight juvenile dependency cases.

The CPS lawyer will represent the interests of the parents and will work with the court to determine what is in the child’s best interest regarding their safety and well-being.

In the juvenile dependency court, the judge will hear evidence presented by the CPS lawyer for the parents, the child’s attorney, County Counsel, and any other parties involved. The judge will then make a determination about the child’s placement and the services that will be provided to the family.

It is important to note that CPS investigations are not intended to punish parents or guardians. Instead, CPS investigations aim to ensure the safety and well-being of children who may be at risk of harm.

If you are involved in a CPS case in Orange County, it is important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced CPS lawyer who can guide you through the process and protect your rights. In addition, a CPS lawyer can help you understand your options and develop a strategy to fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family.

WHAT SHOULD YOU IF YOU NEED A CPS LAWYER FOR JUVENILE DEPENDENCY CASE IN ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA?

If you have been accused of abuse or neglect, it is crucial to get a CPS lawyer as soon as possible.

You deserve to have a lawyer who will help you fight to get your children back. If you are dealing with a juvenile dependency case, child-welfare services case, or CPS case in Orange County, California, or Southern California, you need the juvenile dependency attorneys at ALL Trial Lawyers by your side.

Don’t risk calling the wrong lawyer. If CPS is investigating you, you do not have to deal with them alone. 

We know how the juvenile court process in California works. We have handled hundreds of juvenile dependency cases in Orange County, San Diego County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County.

Whether you are in New Port Beach, Irvine, Fullerton, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Garden Grove, Anaheim, or any city in Orange County, we are here to help.

We have an office located near you, and we’re ready to start working on your case.

Call us now to speak to a lawyer and for your free consultation. Call (866) 811-4255.

Dealing with a CPS case can be scary. You don’t have to face a CPS case alone.

ORANGE COUNTY CPS LAWYER OFFICE