Representing Parents in Children Services Actions

Representing Parents in Children Services Actions

Has someone reported you to the local Children’s Services Agency?  Has a county agency worker come to your home to investigate whether you are taking appropriate care of your child(ren)?  Has a social worker or agency caseworker removed your child and said that you will be getting “court papers”?  These types of cases involving child welfare law are generally referred to as Dependency Law.

While CSB exists to protect children in danger, any person can anonymously report suspected abuse or neglect to CSB.  Accusations of child abuse, neglect or sexual abuse can result in Children Services Board (CSB) launching a “full-scale” investigation.  Although the mission of this government agency is to protect kids and take actions in a child’s best interests, there are many situations where a parent is falsely accused of child abuse or child neglect, or has been misrepresented.  We recognize that a  parent who is charged with abusing or neglecting his/her own child suffers in many ways, including separation from their child, plus all the attendant legal ramifications involved in the complicated juvenile court case.

The CSB agency in many counties is a large bureaucratic organization.  Properly training the caseworkers and supervising them is often a problem for these agencies.   As a result, the worker may lack the sensitivity to be able to appreciate the dynamics of the family.  Sometimes, they shortcut the investigation and rush to an improper judgment.  The agency caseworker may overlook the rights of parents and not adhere to the proper boundaries of state power.  These actions can be detrimental to the welfare of the same children and families that CSB is mandated to protect.

The most important thing you can do when first contacted by a social worker from any local Children’s Services agency is to contact an experienced dependency lawyer.  You, as a parent, have rights that must be vigorously protected and asserted from the start of the intake screening, all the way through the litigation process.  Our lawyers will work diligently to refute false allegations, especially those leveled by an ex-spouse or partner with a motive to lie.  We will get your side of the situation heard and show how you have provided love, care and how you have met the physical and emotional needs of the child.  Removal of a child from his/her parental home is a drastic measure which often can be very traumatic to a child.

Your children’s welfare is a matter of paramount importance.  No one is a “perfect” parent.  If the government (CSB) contacts you about possible problems in your home, don’t risk losing your children.  Contact the attorneys at Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues at (937) 293-2141 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.  Or, if you would prefer, you can use our form below to contact us online. In addition, we have an emergency phone number, (937) 760-4357, which we answer around-the-clock.  We can discuss and analyze the case and aggressively protect your legal rights.