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Facing Higher Powers New Jersey’s CPS agency, DCPP (formerly DYFS), has the authority to remove your child and terminate your parental rights. Because DCPP has so much power, it’s important to learn about how to protect your rights. But don’t expect caseworkers to give you personalized guidance. They want to get their job done as…

State CPS agencies are tasked with protecting children from abuse and neglect. To do that effectively, they have to investigate every child abuse report. Not all investigations are conclusive, but there are a few moves that New Jersey CPS views as serious red flags. It’s best for parents to be aware of these so they…

Minding the Timeline CPS agencies must take care to investigate all referrals promptly. DCP&P (New Jersey’s CPS agency) policy mandates caseworkers conclude investigations within 60 days of a referral. But caseworkers can get extensions past 60 days under certain circumstances. In fact, in a recent assessment, New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families found that…

Anyone Can Be Accused of Abuse It’s not just parents who face child abuse allegations. Others involved in a child’s life, such as a caregiver or guardian, can be accused of child abuse, too. These cases are handled a little differently; so let’s take a look at what a non-parent caregiver should know when facing…

Should You Trust CPS? CPS caseworkers must conduct investigations honestly and in good faith. They cannot lie to you to get information or lie under oath. However, communications between parents and caseworkers aren’t always truthful. Parents often feel coerced and lied to. Caseworkers often feel lied to, as well. New Jersey Child Protective Services (CPS)…

The Duty of Childcare Providers New Jersey childcare providers offer an essential service to parents. They are entrusted to keep children in their care safe from harm. They even receive training on how to identify and report suspected abuse or neglect. Indeed, childcare providers along with schools are the top sources of child abuse referrals.…

Your Right to Privacy Audio and video recording can be helpful in CPS cases. But both parents and CPS have to follow certain guidelines when recording. Caseworkers may record what parents say to use later in the investigation process. Caseworkers may also record interviews with children, other family members, and witnesses.

Providing Proof You have to meet the burden of proof to prove a fact in a court of law. The burden of proof varies based on the type of case. For example, New Jersey CPS cases require a different burden of proof than New Jersey criminal cases involving child abuse. It’s important to understand the…

Disagreeing With a Higher Power: The Family Court Many CPS cases do not involve the family court. In fact, CPS will only commence litigation if it has removed your child, decided your child should be removed, or if you are uncooperative. In all other cases, CPS works with families to resolve the matter privately. The…

Intimidating With Intent The Internet is flooded with sites detailing CPS scare tactics. Likewise, you may have spoken with friends or family who’ve dealt with CPS and heard their horror stories of being treated like child abusers from the start. True, CPS agencies have been known to employ specific tactics when dealing with parents. Some…