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If you have lost custody of your child to the California Department of Child and Family Services (known as CPS or DCFS), you are likely wondering what steps you can take to get your child back.
Dealing with CPS can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it is essential to understand that there are ways to regain custody of your child.
In this article, we will outline some essential steps you can take to get your child back from CPS in California.
The first step in regaining custody of your child is to understand why they were removed from your care in the first place.
This process can be difficult and emotional, but it is important to be honest with yourself about any issues that may have led to the removal of your child.
Some common reasons for child removal by CPS social workers include neglect, abuse, drug or alcohol addiction, mental health issues, or a lack of appropriate housing or financial resources.
If your child has been removed from your care by CPS, working with an experienced lawyer who knows how to handle cases involving child custody and CPS is necessary.
An experienced CPS lawyer can help you understand the legal system and ensure your rights are protected. Lawyers can also provide you with professional representation, valuable advice, and guidance on getting your child back.
Your lawyer may help develop a reunification plan with CPS social workers to get you your children back. To regain custody of your child, you may need to complete the requirements outlined by CPS. Requirements may include
You need to be able to follow whatever the reunification plan says. It is important to take these requirements seriously and complete them as soon as possible, as this will demonstrate your commitment to regaining custody of your child.
If your child has been removed from your care by CPS, you will likely need to attend court hearings to determine the next steps in the custody process.
Therefore, attending all court hearings and being prepared to answer any questions or address any concerns raised by the judge or CPS is critical.
This can be a daunting experience, but it is vital to remain calm and focused throughout the process.
Ultimately, the most crucial factor in regaining custody of your child is demonstrating that you can provide a safe and stable environment for them.
This means addressing any issues that led to the removal of your child, such as resolving domestic violence issues, substance abuse or a lack of appropriate housing, and showing that you are committed to providing your child with a stable and loving home.
Many parents focus on the major parts of their CPS case but overlook small tasks that still affect progress. Keeping records of every meeting, updating the agency with new contact information, and saving copies of communications can help prevent delays. Staying organized also creates a clear timeline of what has happened in the case.
CPS provides updates in several ways, such as scheduled meetings, written notices, or communications sent through your attorney. These updates may include assessments, referrals, or deadlines you need to be aware of. Understanding how information is delivered can help you stay prepared and know when to follow up with your attorney for clarification.
CPS cases follow a general schedule set by the dependency court. Regular hearings are held to review safety concerns, progress, and next steps. Although every case moves at its own pace, knowing how assessments, reports, and review hearings typically fit into the timeline helps parents understand key milestones throughout the process.
Home visits give CPS an opportunity to check the child’s living conditions and overall safety. These visits may happen at different points in the case depending on developments. Most home visits involve routine observations rather than immediate decisions, which can help reduce uncertainty for parents.
Parents may speak with several people during a CPS case, including social workers, supervisors, and evaluators. Clear communication helps make sure important details are not overlooked. Keeping notes of conversations, dates, and requests provides a helpful record you can refer back to as the case continues.
A CPS assessment may include interviews, home checks, and a review of existing records. These assessments help the agency understand any safety concerns and decide on appropriate next steps. Knowing what is generally involved can help parents feel more prepared.
CPS often prepares written reports to summarize observations, recommendations, and case progress. These documents are usually submitted to the court and may be reviewed with parents through their attorneys. Understanding the purpose of these reports helps families see how decisions are supported.
Parents may receive notices about required meetings, assessments, or court dates. These notices are important because they include instructions and deadlines that must be followed. Keeping track of each notice helps prevent missed appointments or misunderstandings.
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 CPS 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 CPS 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.
Getting your child back from CPS in California can be difficult and complex, but it is possible with the proper steps and guidance.
By understanding the reasons why your child was removed from your care, working with a CPS lawyer, completing the requirements outlined by CPS, attending all court hearings, and demonstrating that you can provide a safe and stable environment for your child, you can increase your chances of regaining custody of your child.
Remember to be patient, persistent, and committed throughout the process, and seek support and guidance when needed.
Call the best CPS lawyer in California right now for your free consultation.
A mother faced one of the most difficult dependency cases imaginable after her child suffered multiple skull fractures, bruising, a bite mark, and additional injuries. The Agency recommended bypassing reunification services altogether, effectively seeking to permanently separate the family. Following a contested trial, All Trial Lawyers successfully obtained reunification services for the mother. Continued advocacy ultimately resulted in the child’s safe return home.
A mother faced allegations of inappropriate discipline, including claims of physical abuse, together with a prior CPS history, domestic violence history, and criminal history. The child was initially detained. Despite these substantial obstacles, All Trial Lawyers negotiated aggressively and successfully advocated for reunification. At the combined jurisdiction and disposition hearing, the court returned the child to the mother’s care over the Agency’s recommendation.
A father was accused of serious sexual and physical abuse, resulting in a no-visitation order and the Agency recommending denial of reunification services. After extensive litigation and a contested court hearing, All Trial Lawyers secured dismissal of every allegation. The father’s fifty-percent custody was immediately restored, the dependency case was closed, and he reunited with his child after more than six months apart.
A father was accused of serious sexual and physical abuse, resulting in a no-visitation order and the Agency recommending denial of reunification services. After extensive litigation and a contested court hearing, All Trial Lawyers secured dismissal of every allegation. The father’s fifty-percent custody was immediately restored, the dependency case was closed, and he reunited with his child after more than six months apart.
All fields are required. If you need immediate assistance, do not hesitate to call us at (866) 811-4255.
Mohammad Abuershaid, professionally known as Mo Abuershaid, is the founding partner of ALL Trial Lawyers and one of California’s most trusted authorities in dependency law, juvenile dependency cases, CPS defense, and high stakes CPS cases.
