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Most of us have a strong, innate sense of what’s just. We want to believe that the agencies and institutions that regulate family life in New Jersey, for all intents and purposes, share these fundamental notions. As someone who stands falsely accused of abuse or neglect -- or who faces grossly exaggerated charges along those…

Are your relatives paying for attorney’s fees but cannot also afford expert fees? Watch this video to find out what you're entitled to.

CRUCIAL FACTS ABOUT DYFS CASE HISTORY  In honor of our 2,000th successful case against DYFS, the Williams Law Group is looking back. Not just at our own past, but at milestones in parent's rights against DYFS.  Read about landmark cases that have changed history for parents fighting against DYFS. To that end, our team of…

This article is designed to provide a brief overview of how children may become freed for adoption when New Jersey’s child welfare agency, the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS (DCP&P)), is involved. Child welfare law continues to be an evolving area of the law. In 2010, the Appellate Division published 17 Decisions involving…

In Family Court, children are often witnesses to matters before the Court.  Children may witness domestic violence between their parents.  They may provide exculpatory information to refute allegations of adultery or neglect.  In such cases, trial Courts usually shy away from placing children on the witness stand in open Court and instead conduct child interviews in…

What's shocking about this decision is NOT the fact that DCPP lied to the resource parents. That happens all the time. But when, exactly, is someone - ANYONE - going to address the fact that this very powerful government agency routinely lies to families involved with the child welfare system?

If the Division of Child Protection and Permanency substantiates an allegation of child abuse or neglect, the perpetrator's name is listed on the Child Abuse Central Registry. N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.11. This is a confidential list that is maintained by the Department of Children and Families. Only a limited number of agencies have a statutory right to…

Hi Everyone!  For the past few years, NewJerseyDYFSdefense.com has provided top-quality information, insights and perspectives on the topic of child abuse and neglect and the agency entrusted with investigating same.  Until February 29, 2013, that agency was most commonly known as DYFS - the Division of Youth and Family Services.  However, with an overhaul of…

When the Division of Child Protection and Permanency receives a referral, it is required by law to investigate.  A required component of that investigation includes speaking with the accused parent.  N.J.A.C. 10:129-3.1(b)(7).  Another required component of the investigation includes inspecting the home environment of the allegedly abused or neglected child.  N.J.A.C. 10:129-3.1(b)(4).  These components, along with…

Children who are considered "special needs" that end up in resource care are required to be placed with special placement providers who are trained to provide a higher degree of care. These homes are referred to as "ships" placements. "Ships" is abbreviated as SHSP (Special Home Service Provider). Children who are placed in SHSP's homes…