Decatur Child Protective Services Investigation Lawyers

Attorney Helping Parents Protect Their Rights in Weatherford, Parker County and Wise County

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a crucial government organization in the state of Texas that safeguards children from mistreatment and negligence. Unfortunately, there are some cases where CPS may investigate a parent based on unwarranted or exaggerated accusations of abuse. These investigations may affect decisions about child custody in family law cases, or they may result in a child being removed from their parents' home. If you are being investigated by CPS, it is important to get legal help from an experienced lawyer who will help you fight for your parental rights.

At J.A. Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to demonstrate their parental abilities during CPS investigations or any related court proceedings. We know how scary these situations can be, and we understand the concerns that many parents face when they are threatened with the possibility that they may lose custody of their children. Our experienced family law attorney is ready to provide quality guidance and representation to parents throughout this process, helping them take steps to prevent issues that could affect the best interests of their children. In addition, our paralegal, Krista McIntire, is a CPS Consultant who is dedicated to guiding families through the difficult process of CPS investigations, and she serves as an invaluable resource in these cases.

When Will Child Protective Services Perform an Investigation?

In the Lone Star State, CPS offers a wide variety of services meant to ensure that children can be raised in safe and healthy environments. CPS places children in foster care, and it assists with certain types of adoption cases. However, for many parents, the most important duties of CPS are related to investigations of alleged child abuse.

Texas CPS is required to investigate reports of child abuse, which may include:

• Intentionally inflicting a physical injury on a child or failing to take reasonable steps to prevent a child from being injured
• Engaging in sexual misconduct that affects a child, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, indecency with a child, or child trafficking, or allowing someone else to engage in these offenses
• Taking actions or failing to prevent actions by others that lead to emotional trauma or other forms of psychological harm that will affect a child's ability to grow and develop appropriately
• Using controlled substances in a way that puts a child at risk of harm or allowing a child to use drugs, alcohol, or other dangerous substances
• Forcing or allowing a child to marry someone when they are too young to legally do so or when they have not given their consent

CPS may also investigate parents based on suspicions of neglect, and these investigations may be triggered by reports of teachers or others that children are not getting enough to eat, are not receiving the proper bathing and grooming, or are not receiving the proper supervision when at home. Neglect may include actions such as:

• Failing to provide the proper supervision for a child
• Allowing a child to live or spend time in a situation where they may be at risk of injury or emotional trauma due to physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Failing to ensure that a child has the necessary nutrition, clothing, medical care, or a safe place to live

Representation in Investigations by CPS Personnel

Should you be reported for suspected child abuse or neglect, Child Protective Services will conduct an intensive investigation. They may conduct interviews with you, your spouse, your children, other family members, and anyone else who has information about your familial circumstances. CPS may also review your criminal background, and they may visit your home to determine whether you can provide a safe and healthy environment for your child. They may also request medical records or ask you to undergo medical or psychological testing. The goal of this inquiry is to establish whether the allegations of child abuse or neglect are valid. It is wise to consult with an attorney to determine the best ways to respond to questions and the types of information you can provide that may help your case. Our team, including CPS Consultant Krista McIntire, can provide effective guidance and representation during this process, helping you take steps to minimize the effect an investigation will have on your family.

A CPS investigation will not necessarily result in the removal of your child from your home. In some cases, an investigator may determine that despite concerns about the allegations, no further action needs to be taken to protect children's safety and welfare. However, should there appear to be an imminent risk of harm or danger to children's well-being, CPS can intervene immediately, remove children from a home, and place them with relatives or foster parents temporarily. In these circumstances, you will have the chance to attend a hearing where your lawyer can help you present evidence and testimony in order to prevent the removal of your child and avoid harmful disruptions to their life.

Contact a Weatherford CPS Investigation Attorney

If your parental rights have been put at risk due to a CPS inquiry, J.A. Griffin Law Firm, P.C. can help you determine how to proceed, and we will advise you on the best steps to take to avoid serious consequences that could affect your family. Call us now at 817-926-6153 or fill out a contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we can assist you. We assist with CPS-related matters in Decatur, Fort Worth, Parker County, Wise County, Tarrant County, and throughout North Central Texas.