The government and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) have a mandate to protect the health, welfare and wellbeing of children in New Jersey. These government employees also command a broad suite of powers and resources. As someone who stands falsely accused of child abuse or neglect charges, in some ways, you face a “David versus Goliath” struggle.
In this section, we will review some of the basic processes that happen during Title 9 cases filed by DCP&P, which seek an abuse and/or neglect finding against you. We’ll also discuss tactical and strategic responses that you might want to consider at various stages of this process.
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, however, let’s dial back and reflect on the purpose of what you’re trying to do. When you’re faced with an uphill battle with the odds stacked against you — whether you’re striving to win a competitive sports event, vie for a exclusive job or wage a legal battle — research suggests that your having a clear, well-defined, passion-infused purpose can help you remain resilient, innovative and dogged in pursuit of your goal.
So what’s driving you to refute the false allegations? There are 5 possible answers. Today, we’ll cover the first three:
1. You want to reunite with your child or children.
The parent-child bond is arguably the most powerful bond in the broad array of the human experience. Whether you’ve already been separated from your child for days — or you’re worried that DCP&P will remove your child (or children) from your custody shortly — you want to protect this cherished relationship. You want to do so not only because you love your child, but also because your child needs your affection and insight to develop and handle life’s ups and downs.
2. You want to preserve your relationships and stature in the community.
False allegations of abuse or neglect — even ones later completely refuted and deemed falsified — can wreak terrible havoc upon the lives of the accused. For instance, upon learning about your legal case, your boss might rescind an offer of a promotion, or you might lose critical clients or accounts. Friends and family members might turn their backs on you. Newly blossoming relationships can dissolve. These intimate betrayals can create heartbreak, anger and confusion. DCP&P cases are confidential and not open to the public, but that does not mean that people in your neighborhoods or your children’s school won’t find out about it.
If you wind up found guilty and entered into the Child Abuse Central Registry, you may find it challenging in the future to expand your family, work in crtain professions or even avoid frivolous false abuse claims from future accusers. False allegations could also impede or ruin your ability to succeed in a custody or visitation case.
3. You want justice and truth to prevail.
In addition to wanting to avoid the “obvious” negative consequences — like being unable to reunite with your child and suffering career devastation – you probably also have a fundamental need to expose the truth and see that justice is done. For instance, if your ex made up allegations to win a custody case, you might want to see him or her to be punished in some fashion.
For skillful, experienced assistance battling back against untrue allegations of child abuse or neglect, call the Williams Law Group, LLC immediately at (908) 810-1083.
