Los Angeles Juvenile Dependency Attorneys

If you live in the Los Angeles area and have been accused of child abuse or child neglect, we know that this is a terrifying experience. You deserve legal representation to help you get through this entire process. At ALL Trial Lawyers, you can count on our Los Angeles dependency lawyers to handle every aspect of your case. We have the resources necessary to conduct a full investigation into the claims made against you, and we will work diligently to ensure that you are treated fairly by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), commonly referred to as Child Protective Services (CPS).

Our team has more than 150 dependency cases under their belts, and we approach every case with the determination to fight for you and your family. We offer 100% free consultations, and we can get to work on your case right away.

What Is a “Dependency” Case in Los Angeles?

Dependency cases in Los Angeles are created if a parent or guardian is accused of child abuse or neglect. When we help parents or guardians with these situations, we often discover that these cases arise after someone reports alleged abuse or neglect to the police department or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). After a report has been made, DCFS will open a formal investigation and send workers to the child’s home to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse or neglect.

When examining the Welfare and Institutions Code 300, we can see that there are various reasons why a child may be removed from a home and become a dependent of the court. The law allows for a child to be removed from a home if they have been seriously harmed or sexually abused, or if they are at risk of suffering serious physical harm or sexual abuse.

A child can also be removed from a home if they have been harmed due to the neglect of a parent to provide the child with proper food, clothing, medical care, or shelter.

Additionally, if a parent or guardian knew that a child was being abused either physically or sexually and failed to act to stop the abuse, the child could become a dependent of the court.

What Will Happen to My Child?

While awaiting a decision pertaining to the dependency hearing in Los Angeles, where a child resides will depend on the circumstances surrounding each situation. If the allegations made against a parent or guardian are particularly severe, a child will likely be placed in out of home care during the proceedings.  DCFS must evaluate relatives for possible placement, but placement in a foster home is also a possibility.  We can help ensure your family members are appropriately assessed for placement, if needed.

If the allegations are less severe, a close family member may be allowed to take the child. Very rarely, a child may be allowed to live in the home with their parent or guardian, but this will require close supervision from the court.

Contact a Los Angeles Dependency Attorney Today

If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect in Los Angeles or the surrounding LA County area, you need to speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. At ALL Trial Lawyers, our team has extensive experience handling complex dependency and DCFS cases. We firmly believe that every parent accused in these situations deserves a vigorous defense against the allegations that have been made by the police or DCFS. When you need a Los Angeles dependency lawyer, you can contact us for a consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at (866) 811-4255.