Riverside Juvenile Dependency Attorneys

If you have been accused of child abuse or child neglect, we understand that this can be an incredibly stressful situation. However, the government is going to conduct an investigation, and you need protection. At ALL Trial Lawyers, our Riverside dependency lawyers have a reputation for aggressively representing our clients both in and out of the courtroom. We have handled more than 150 dependency cases throughout Riverside County and surrounding areas. You can rest assured that we understand how to handle dependency cases, and we know what it takes to stand up to Child Protective Services on your behalf.

What Does the Law Say About Dependency Cases?

A dependency case in Riverside can be opened for a variety of reasons. When we examine the Welfare and Institutions Code 300, we can see that these cases arise if a parent or guardian of a child is accused by the government agency of abuse and/or neglect.  In general, we will see that these cases arise after a person witnesses what they believe to be child abuse or neglect and reports it to various agencies (emergency responders, Department of Public Social Services, Child Protective Services (DPSS-CPS), local police departments, etc.).

After a case is reported, DPSS will open an official investigation and send employees to the home of the child to examine the situation. This will include interviews with the parents or guardians as well as the child. There are various reasons why a child may be removed from a home and become a dependent of the court.  While this seems pretty simple at first glance, these are very complex cases with many subtleties that require a professional who understands dependency law to represent your interests.

• The child suffered serious physical harm, or it is determined that the child is at risk of suffering from serious physical harm.
• The parents are guardians harmed due to neglect by failing to provide a child with food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.
• The child was sexually abused or is at risk of being sexually abused.
• A parent or guardian knew a child was being sexually abused and failed to stop it.
• A parent or guardian caused the death of another child through neglect or abuse.
• A child was left alone without the means to support themselves.

Will My Child Be Okay While a Case Is Ongoing?

While a dependency case is ongoing in Riverside, where a child resides depends on what the court believes is in the best interest of the child. This will also depend on the severity of the allegations against a parent or guardian.

In some circumstances, a child could be placed in foster care while the dependency proceedings are ongoing. If appropriate, a child may be allowed to live with a close family member. In rare cases, a child may be allowed to reside in a home with their parent or guardian, but with court and agency supervision.

If a child is placed outside of your care, we will assist you in navigating the reunification process to quickly get your child home back where he or she belongs.

Call a Riverside Dependency Attorney Today

If you have been accused of child abuse or child neglect anywhere in Riverside or throughout the larger county area, turn to the team ALL Trial Lawyers for help with your case today. We firmly believe that any person facing these accusations deserves a vigorous defense as they work to ensure their rights are upheld. We want to make sure that your child custody rights remain intact so you can get back to living your life with your family. When you need a Riverside dependency lawyer, you can contact us for a consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at (866) 811-4255.