20+ year of experience
Trial ready
Personal attention
Dealing with a juvenile dependency case in San Diego can be a daunting challenge. These cases typically surface when Child Protective Services (CPS) or Child Welfare Services (CWS) steps in due to potential child abuse or neglect issues. Whether the accusations are based on actual instances or misapprehensions, it’s essential to comprehend the procedure and master how to tackle it. A San Diego juvenile dependency lawyer can play a crucial role in this process.
The responsibility of inspecting claims of child abuse and neglect falls under CPS, a government body. When a report is deemed credible, an Emergency Response social worker carries out an investigation, which can mean visiting your home within a day for urgent cases or within ten days for non-critical ones.
The social worker will evaluate your home and interview the involved parties, including you, your child, and other family members. If the social worker discovers significant evidence of danger, they can temporarily remove your child from your home, typically for up to 72 hours.
These key stages can be navigated more effectively with a San Diego juvenile dependency lawyer:
Upon receiving a report, CPS or CWS acts swiftly to assess if the child is in immediate danger and needs to be removed.
If the child is removed, a petition must be filed within two days, followed by a detention hearing where you’ll have an opportunity to counter the allegations.
This is your chance to dispute the allegations in court. The hearing determines if the accusations of maltreatment are valid.
If the court validates the allegations, the dispositional hearing follows. This stage decides whether the child will remain in foster care or return home. The court devises a case plan outlining the steps required to resolve the issues and reunify you and your child.
Status reviews are conducted every six months to monitor your progress with the case plan. If reunification isn’t feasible, a 366.26 hearing will be scheduled to find a permanent solution, such as adoption and termination of parental rights.
CPS or CWS may contact you at various locations like your home, school, or even a hospital if your child’s welfare is at stake. They might leave a business card or make contact without any prior notice. These encounters are pivotal, and your responses can significantly influence the investigation’s outcome.
When CPS / CWS gets involved with your family:
Facing abuse or neglect allegations can be distressing. A San Diego juvenile dependency lawyer can lead you through the intricate process, help you respond appropriately to investigations, and represent your interests in court. They can also ensure that any misinterpretations are clarified and that your case is treated fairly.
If you have been accused of abuse or neglect, it is crucial to get an experienced San Diego juvenile dependency lawyer as soon as possible.
You deserve to have a juvenile dependency attorney 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 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 Newport 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) 963-0892.
Dealing with a CPS case can be scary. You don’t have to face a CPS case alone.
Understanding the juvenile dependency case process can make a significant difference when dealing with accusations of child abuse or neglect. If you’re encountering a CPS investigation, don’t hesitate to enlist a San Diego juvenile dependency lawyer. Protect your family and ensure the best possible outcome for your case by seeking reliable legal advice.
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.