Child Protective Services

One of the most important and fundamental rights of a parent is the right to raise and rear one’s child.

However, there are a few occasions when the State can intervene in the parent-child relationship. If the state or the Department of Social Services (DSS) receives a report that a parent has abused, neglected or abandoned a child, Child Protective Services must investigate whether the allegations are true.

When CPS investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and dependency, you often are left feeling helpless and are left wondering what you can do to protect your rights. There are no courts involved during the investigative stage, no one to present your case to, outside of your assigned social worker. You often call your local Department of Social Services for updates and find that voicemails are not returned and when they are you’re simply told “there are no updates to your case.”

When Child Protective Services (CPS) becomes involved with your family, it is usually associated with negative consequences. Social workers will enter your home and investigate whether any abuse, neglect or dependency has occurred involving your children. While it does not seem that you have any legal rights during these investigations, you do. When CPS calls or visits your home, you need immediate and experienced legal advice and assistance to resolve matters.

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Child Protective Services Investigations

It is typical for CPS to complete an investigation of the allegations it received about your child. After the investigation, CPS makes a case decision and determines whether the child is safe in your custody or whether your child should be removed. During this investigation, CPS may speak with the child, family members, school officials, neighbors, employers, or other persons that may have information about the allegations in the report. If CPS determines that your child is not safe in your custody, CPS may file a petition to remove your children from your custody. If CPS deems you inappropriate to care for your child, CPS may give you the option of allowing other family members to provide care. Prior to making any decisions about the custody of your child and prior to agreeing to complete services requested by CPS, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney about your rights as a parent.

We are experienced legal advocates ready to help you and work to ensure your family has the best chance to stay together.

We Handle Matters From Investigations to Hearings

Whether you are struggling with divorce, chemical dependency, domestic violence or another life challenge that may put the safety of your child in question, our lawyers are available to provide you with experienced legal advice on:

How to handle a CPS investigation
Whether you should complete services recommended by CPS
Alternative custody arrangements involving your children
Representing you in agency meetings and hearings
Representing you in court proceedings
Communicating with social workers and other CPS investigators
Handling CPS petitions for custody to prevent your kids from leaving your home

We urge you to take domestic abuse and any resulting CPS investigations seriously. Without proper guidance you can risk losing your children. We offer you help to preserve your family. Talk to us the moment you suspect you may be under investigation.

Call Us Today at (919) 870-0466, Where Clients Come First

As a parent, your child’s welfare takes priority. Under our care their rights and your rights come first. Contact Batch, Poore & Williams in Raleigh for compassionate legal advice and support with a child protective services matter in North Carolina. We are ready to work with you and assist with your legal needs.