Jurisdictional Hearings in San Bernardino County – CPS Lawyer Explains Important Information 2026

Jurisdictional Hearings in San Bernardino County – CPS Lawyer Explains

Child Protective Services (CPS) agency is responsible for investigating reports of child abuse or neglect in San Bernardino County, California.

If CPS social workers determine that a child is at risk of child abuse or neglect, they may file a juvenile dependency petition with the court, which can result in the child’s removal from their home and placement in foster care.

What is a Jurisdictional Hearing?

A jurisdictional hearing is a crucial stage in the juvenile dependency process in San Bernardino County. This hearing is where the judge determines whether the allegations in the CPS petition are true and whether the child should be placed under the court’s jurisdiction.

It is a trial and an opportunity for the judge to hear evidence and decide whether the case should proceed to the dispositional phase.

What Happens at a Jurisdictional Hearing?

At a jurisdictional hearing in San Bernardino County, CPS presents evidence supporting their abuse or neglect allegations. The evidence may include reports that CPS prepares as a result of their investigation and testimony from witnesses, medical records, and police reports.

The parents or guardians of the child also have the chance to present evidence and testify on their own behalf. The judge will consider all the evidence presented and decide based on what is in the child’s best interests.

Possible Outcomes of a Jurisdictional Hearing

After the jurisdictional hearing in San Bernardino County, the judge may make one of the following decisions:

• Dismiss the case: If the judge finds insufficient evidence to support the allegations in the CPS petition, they may dismiss the case, and the child will not be placed under the court’s jurisdiction.
• Sustain the petition: If the judge finds that the allegations in the CPS petition are true, they will sustain the petition, and the child will be placed under the court’s jurisdiction. The case will proceed to the dispositional phase, where the judge will decide about the child’s placement and services.

What to Expect at a Jurisdictional Hearing

Knowing what to expect at a jurisdictional hearing is crucial if you are a parent or guardian involved in a CPS or juvenile dependency case in San Bernardino County. Here are some things to consider and to help you prepare:

• Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and avoid clothing with logos or slogans.
• Be on time: Always arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for speaking with your lawyer, parking, and security screening.
• Be respectful to everyone: Address the judge as “Your Honor” and be respectful to everyone in the courtroom.
• Bring any evidence: If you have any evidence to present, such as medical records or witness statements, bring them with you.

What Should You Do If You Need a CPS Lawyer for a Juvenile Dependency Case in San Bernardino County, California?

If you have been accused of abuse or neglect, it is crucial to get an attorney 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, department of child and family services case, or CPS case in San Bernardino County, or anywhere in 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 San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County.

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

Whether you’re in Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Redlands, Yucaipa, or any city in San Bernardino County, we’re 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.

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