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If CPS is investigating you, it’s important to know your rights and what to expect. CPS (child protective services) is a government agency that investigates reports of child abuse or neglect.
CPS has different names in different counties. For example, In Orange County, California, CPS is known as the Social Services Agency-Child and Family Services (SSA-CFS). If CPS comes to your home, they will want to speak with you and your children.
They may also ask to see inside your home. It’s important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect, and CPS is investing you, you must contact an attorney immediately.
CPS investigations can be very stressful, but understanding your rights and what to expect can help.
If CPS is investigating you, it is because they’re been contacted by police or other people concerning the well-being of your children. CPS will likely contact you by phone or mail to set up an interview.
CPS interviews are usually conducted at your home but can also be done at CPS offices, schools, or hospitals. CPS will want to speak with you and your children separately. They may also ask to see inside your home.
During the CPS investigation, CPS will gather information from you, your children, and other people who know you and your family.
CPS will also look at any records that may be relevant to the case, such as medical records or school records. CPS will use this information to decide whether or not there is enough evidence to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred.
If CPS decides that there is enough evidence to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred, CPS will open a case.
CPS will then provide services to the family to help address the issues that led to the CPS investigation. These services may include counseling, parenting classes, in-home services, or substance abuse treatment.
If CPS decides that there is not enough evidence to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred, CPS will close the case. However, CPS will provide services to the family if CPS believes there are still risk factors present in the home.
It’s important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney throughout the CPS investigation process. If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect, you must contact an attorney immediately.
CPS can come to your house at any time. CPS does not need a warrant to enter your home. CPS can also interview your children without your permission. CPS can only remove your children from your home if CPS has a court order.
If CPS is investigating you, they will likely contact you by phone or mail to set up an interview. CPS interviews are usually conducted at your home but can also be done at CPS offices, schools, or hospitals.
CPS will want to speak with you and your children separately. They may also ask to see inside your home.
CPS may contact you via phone or mail to set up an interview before they come to your home. This initial contact is usually to arrange a time that works for both parties to discuss the concerns raised in the report.
If CPS decides that there is enough evidence to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred, CPS will open a case. CPS will then provide services to the family to help address the issues that led to the CPS investigation.
These services may include counseling, parenting classes, in-home services, or substance abuse treatment. CPS will also work with the family to create a safety plan to protect the children from further abuse or neglect.
If CPS decides that there is not enough evidence to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred, CPS will close the case. CPS will provide services to the family if CPS believes there are still risk factors present in the home.
CPS investigations can be very stressful, but understanding your rights and what to expect can help. If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect, and CPS is investigating you, you must contact an attorney immediately. An attorney can help you navigate the CPS investigation process and protect your rights.
When CPS visits your house, you have the right to remain silent and the right to consult an attorney. You are not obligated to let them in without a court order unless they come with the police who have a warrant. You can also request that interviews with your children be conducted in your presence.
You can generally expect CPS to notify you about the closure of your investigation. If there is no substantial evidence of abuse or neglect, they will close the case and may inform you in writing or during a final meeting.
1. Why would CPS start an investigation?
CPS may begin an investigation after receiving a report from a teacher, doctor, neighbor, or law enforcement regarding concerns about a child’s safety or well-being.
2. How long does a CPS investigation usually take?
The length of a CPS investigation varies, but most are completed within a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the complexity of the case.
3. Where do CPS interviews usually take place?
CPS interviews can take place at your home, at a CPS office, or sometimes at your child’s school or another neutral location.
4. What kind of information does CPS collect during an investigation?
CPS collects information from interviews, home visits, and records such as medical or school reports to assess the child’s safety.
5. Can CPS provide help even if no abuse is found?
Yes, CPS may still offer voluntary services such as counseling or parenting support if they believe there are risk factors present.
6. What is a CPS safety plan?
A safety plan is an agreement created by CPS and the family to ensure the child’s safety, which may include supervision arrangements or specific conditions in the home.
7. What should I avoid doing during a CPS investigation?
Avoid making statements without understanding your rights, and do not provide misleading information. It is best to consult an attorney before responding in detail.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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, child-welfare services case, or CPS case in Orange County, California, or 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 Orange County, San Diego 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.
Parents retained All Trial Lawyers before they even knew the nature of the allegations being investigated. Counsel attended the investigative interview, learned the allegations alongside the family, and immediately implemented a strategic response. Despite allegations involving physical abuse, neglect, and domestic violence, the investigation was resolved without court intervention, allowing the family to move forward without dependency proceedings.
An investigation was initiated after an infant sustained unexplained skull fractures, placing both the infant and a sibling at risk of removal. All Trial Lawyers immediately guided the family through every stage of the investigation, providing strategic legal counsel from the outset. In less than one month, the Agency closed the investigation without court involvement, allowing the family to remain together.
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.