We Are Parental Rights Attorneys
Child Protective Services (CPS) was established by the County of Sacramento, Department of Family, Children and Adult Services (formerly, Department of Health and Human Services). The agency was once responsible to promote the welfare of children by helping families establish more stable homes. Over the years, however, this purpose has eroded. Today, the agency is better known for taking children away from parents and making it almost impossible to get those children back. There are online forums telling parents to keep their cupboards stocked and their houses clean because there are few things scarier than being targeted by CPS. When the state gets involved in your family you will need the help of a qualified Sacramento CPS Lawyer.
A compassionate child protective services lawyer from The Stirling Law Firm is your fighting chance to get your children back. A Sacramento Lawyer for CPS Investigations is ready to defend you and your children against unjust accusations and the severe actions of CPS. Our firm has more than 15 years of experience representing families in their time of need. We have a deep understanding of the law and will use it to defend your family. Contact a Stirling Law Firm Sacramento CPS Lawyer to discuss your case.
The Stirling Law Firm Can Help With CPS Investigations
If someone falsely accuses you of abusing or neglecting your children, your best course of action is to consult with a Sacramento CPS lawyer from The Stirling Law Firm. Parents will need to prepare for an emergency hearing within two days.
At The Stirling Law Firm, you will find a Sacramento Family Lawyer for CPS Investigations with substantial experience in protecting parental rights — and the rights of children — against unwarranted intrusion by the state.
How is Child Abuse or Neglect Reported?
Suspected child abuse or neglect can be reported to the Sacramento Department of Family, children and Adult Services online or over the phone. The online reporting system should not be used if the situation is urgent. Further, if a child is in immediate danger, the website recommends contacting local law enforcement. CPS is legally obligated to investigate every report, even false ones.
There are some professions that are under a legal duty to report any and all possible cases. These are known as mandated reports and must report all suspected child abuse or neglect. For example, if a doctor notices an injury to a child’s sexual organs, or if a teacher overhears a child talking about a sexual encounter with a parent or guardian, both of these individuals would need to report what they heard or saw to CPS. In many cases, these people misunderstand the things being said by children and false allegations are made. Nationally, almost 59 percent of abuse and neglect reports are made by professionals who have contact with the child in question as part of their job.
What Does a CPS Investigation Involve?
Once CPS determines that abuse or neglect is present, a report will be registered, and CPS will begin an investigation. In addition to its own investigation, CPS may make a report to the police. A CPS investigation will usually occur with 24 hours of a report. During the investigation stage, CPS will take the following steps:
- Interviews: The caseworker will either call or visit your home to interview parents, the alleged perpetrator, the child, or other members of the family or household. A caseworker may also want to interview the child alone.
- Examinations: A casework may request medical or psychological examination of your child to determine if abuse or neglect.
- Explanations: A caseworker will explain the allegations against you or another family within a reasonable time—typically 24 hours after all the interviews. At this point, the caseworker will allow you to explain the circumstances of any injuries or safety concerns.
No matter what stage your CPS investigation is in, contact a knowledgeable Sacramento CPS lawyer from The Stirling Law Firm.
What Happens After a CPS Investigation?
After the investigation, a caseworker will determine whether or not abuse or neglect occurred. If CPS determines there is no abuse or neglect, the case will close, and the records will be sealed.
However, if the caseworker determines that there is evidence of abuse or a risk of abuse CPS will:
- Create an Informal Services Plan: In most cases, CPS will try to work with the family to protect the interests of the child. CPS may offer a family one of its many services. These services include psychiatric counseling, group therapy, parent support services and more.
- Remove the Child: If CPS determines that there are no reasonable efforts that can keep your child safe in your home. In order to do so, CPS will get a court order and take custody of your child. In some cases, CPS may determine that your child is in immediate danger. If the agency reaches this level of determination, then CPS can remove your child from your home before getting a court order. If the child is removed from your care, a court will follow. You certainly will need the assistance of an experienced CPS lawyer.
If you are under investigation by CPS you have the right to consult a lawyer. An experienced Sacramento CPS lawyer from The Stirling Law Firm can help.
Law Office or Robert J. Stirling
333 University Avenue, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95825
Telephone: (916) 851-5909
Facsimile: (888) 655-7394
This is an advertisement for legal services and should not be construed as legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Robert Stirling (State Bar number 248059) is responsible for the content in this advertisement. Testimonials, endorsements and informative content contained in this site do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter as each legal matter presents their own set of unique circumstances requiring its own evaluation. A consultation with us can provide us the opportunity to evaluate your case and provide our impressions. Contingency fee cases: Although no fee is collected until there is a recovery, there is a risk of responsibility for the other party’s cost if the other party prevails.