Parents and the DCPP may often be on the opposite sides of a case, disagreeing about whether the parents failed to live up to their parenting responsibilities and whether it was appropriate for the children to be removed from the home in the first place. What many do not realize, however, is that one of…
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The DCPP Has Accused Me of Inadequate Supervision. What Does That Mean?
Any parent will tell you that parenting is the most difficult job out there. Every child is different, and each child presents unique personality traits, has different educational abilities, and may have special physical or emotional requirements. In short, there is no “one size fits all” parenting strategy. Although parents are usually doing their best,…
Read More »How to Appeal the DCPP's Decision to Remove Your Children From Your Home
Very few things will strike fear in the heart of a parent faster than the thought of being forcibly separated from their children. Parents work hard to provide for their children and make sure that they are happy, healthy, and in a stable environment. The New Jersey Department of Children Protection and Permanency is similarly…
Read More »The Role of Collateral Contacts During A DCPP Investigation
Parents may hear a lot of terms that they are not familiar with during the course of a DCPP case. Not being able to understand what the DCPP is saying can make it hard for parents to keep track of what’s going on in their case. For this reason, it’s important for parents to learn…
Read More »Can DCPP Force Me To Take A Drug Test?
Numerous studies have shown that parents with substance abuse problems are more likely to abuse or neglect their children than parents without substance abuse issues. Based on this information, it’s not surprising that many reports of child abuse and neglect submitted to the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) contain allegations of substance abuse.…
Read More »Do I Have to Let DCPP In My Home?
Being accused of child abuse or neglect is every parent’s worst nightmare. For this reason, it is hard for parents to open their doors and welcome investigators from the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) into their homes. Are you required to let DCPP in your home if there is an investigator on your…
Read More »How Long Will A DCPP Investigation Take?
The New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in this state. If someone reports possible child abuse or neglect, the DCPP must investigate the allegations to determine if the child is in danger. Being under investigation is stressful for parents, which is why…
Read More »Endangering Welfare of Children: When Does DCPP File Criminal Charges?
Child Abuse and Criminal Charges Despite what many parents facing child abuse allegations may think, the DCPP (New Jersey’s child welfare agency) does not have the power to file or “press” criminal charges against parents. While the DCPP is a state agency, it operates independently of the criminal justice system. Nevertheless, there are circumstances under…
Read More »New Jersey DCPP Cases and Special Needs Children
Caring for a special needs child can put any parent to the test. The challenges families with special needs children face are unique. Accordingly, all New Jersey child abuse cases involving special needs children involve many factors that can complicate efforts. But the State of New Jersey remains dedicated to meeting the needs of all…
Read More »Confidentiality and DCPP Case Records
State CPS agencies are required under federal law to keep records of child abuse and neglect reports and cases, including case findings, confidential. This is an important protection due to the gravity and nature of these cases. But that confidentiality has exceptions. Thus, a parent who is involved with the DCPP, New Jersey’s CPS agency,…
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