Understanding Detention Hearings in San Diego County Juvenile Dependency Cases and CPS Cases – 2023

Understanding Detention Hearings in San Diego County Juvenile Dependency Cases and CPS Cases

When a child is removed by social workers from their home due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, social workers place them in the custody of the State of California.

Juvenile dependency cases (also known as CPS cases) are initiated to ensure that these children are safe and their needs are being met. One of the most critical stages in a CPS case or juvenile dependency case is the detention hearing.

This article will explore the purpose of detention hearings, the process, and what to expect in San Diego County.

What is a Detention Hearing?

A detention hearing is a court hearing that takes place within the first few days of a child’s removal from their home.

The purpose of the detention hearing is to determine if it is necessary to keep the child in the custody of the state or return them to their parents or guardians.

During this hearing, the judge reviews the circumstances that led to the child’s removal, the child’s current situation, and whether there are any alternatives to detention.

The Process of a Detention Hearing

In San Diego County, detention hearings are held in Juvenile Dependency Court. The parties involved in the case, including the parents or guardians, social workers, and attorneys, attend the hearing.

The judge hears testimony and reviews evidence from all parties involved. The judge then decides whether the child should remain in the custody of the state or be returned to their parents or guardians.

If the child remains in custody, the judge will schedule a subsequent hearing within 15 court days to determine whether continued detention is necessary.

What to Expect in San Diego County

In San Diego County, detention hearings are held within 48 hours of a child’s removal from their home. If the child is detained, a subsequent hearing must be held within 14 court days.

Parents or guardians are entitled to legal representation. If the child is detained, they will be placed in a temporary foster home or a group home until a more permanent placement can be arranged.

Detention hearings play a crucial role in determining the immediate future of a child who has been removed from their home.

Therefore, parents or guardians must understand the process and what to expect in San Diego County. By seeking legal representation and being prepared for the hearing, they can increase their chances of having their child returned to them sooner rather than later.

WHAT SHOULD YOU IF YOU HAVE AN OPEN CPS SAN DIEGO CASE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA?

If you have been accused of abuse or neglect in San Diego, 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, child-welfare services case, or CPS case in San Diego 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 San Diego social workers are 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 Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County.

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 San Diego case alone.

SAN DIEGO CPS LAWYER OFFICE