20+ year of experience
Trial ready
Personal attention
For families in Tulare County facing a Child Protective Services investigation or juvenile dependency case, understanding the process — and having the right attorney — is essential. CPS cases in Tulare County are handled by specific county agencies and courts, and the procedures can be unfamiliar and overwhelming for parents without prior experience.
This guide explains how CPS works in Tulare County, where dependency cases are heard, and what to look for when selecting an attorney to defend your parental rights.
In Tulare County, child protective services are provided by the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency. When a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is received, a social worker is assigned to investigate. This may include home visits, interviews with children at school, and contact with family members, teachers, and medical providers.
If the social worker concludes that a child faces immediate risk, an emergency removal may occur. Once removed, the case is referred to the juvenile court, and the family is entitled to a prompt detention hearing.
Juvenile dependency cases in Tulare County are heard at the William Silveria Jr. Juvenile Justice Center, located at 11200 Avenue 368, Room 201, Visalia, CA 93291. A second location, the South County Justice Center at 300 E. Olive Avenue in Porterville, handles cases in the southern part of the county.
The Tulare County Superior Court’s Juvenile Division oversees cases involving children who have been abused, neglected, or who are at risk of harm. The court’s goal, consistent with California law, is to protect children’s safety while working toward family preservation or, when necessary, alternative permanent placement.
Private CPS attorneys in Tulare County charge varying rates depending on experience and the complexity of the case. Parents who qualify financially are entitled to court-appointed counsel in dependency proceedings under California’s Welfare and Institutions Code Section 317.
Whether you retain private counsel or rely on court-appointed representation, consulting an attorney as early as possible — before the first hearing — is the most important action you can take for your family.
Families in Tulare County navigating CPS involvement can access support through the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency and community-based family resource centers. The Tulare County Superior Court Clerk’s Office in Visalia can provide procedural information. Families who need legal assistance and cannot afford private counsel should ask the court about appointment of counsel at the earliest opportunity.
At ALL Trial Lawyers, our attorneys represent parents and guardians in juvenile dependency cases throughout California, including families in Tulare County. We understand that every family’s case is different, and we bring focused preparation, independent investigation, and aggressive advocacy to every client we serve.
If CPS has contacted you or your child has been removed in Tulare County, call ALL Trial Lawyers at (866) 811-4255 for a free consultation. You do not have to face this alone.
What does the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency do in a dependency case? The agency investigates reports, provides or coordinates services, and may petition the juvenile court to take jurisdiction over a child if the investigation reveals abuse, neglect, or risk of harm.
Can I fight the allegations in a Tulare County dependency case? Yes. Parents have the right to contest the allegations at a jurisdictional hearing and to present evidence on their behalf. An experienced attorney is essential to a successful challenge.
Are dependency hearings in Tulare County open to the public? No. Juvenile dependency hearings are confidential under California law, and attendance is limited to parties and authorized persons.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult a licensed California attorney about your specific situation.
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.