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Connecting the Public to Legal Services AVVO is an online legal services marketplace that provides easy to access legal information and attorney referrals to consumers. Founded in 2006 by a former legal counsel at Expedia, AVVO serves the public by helping people who need legal advice connect with quality attorneys. AVVO also provides attorney ratings,…

A Shift in Services State child protection services (CPS) agencies receive funding from the federal government. But critics of the child welfare system in the US argue federal funding incentivizes foster placement rather than keeping families together. Indeed, some state CPS agencies receive more federal funding when they put children in foster placement, which begs…

Optimizing Your Attorney-Client Relationship When facing legal issues regarding your child and your family, it’s important to work with a child abuse defense attorney who can make you feel comfortable. This is likely a difficult time in your life, making the quality of your attorney-client relationship an important factor. To make the most of your…

Interstate Placement The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) provides laws and guidelines on when and how a child may be placed across state lines. The ICPC (the Compact) covers specific placements, such as those with foster families, with adoptive families prior to adoption, and with other parents or relatives. The Compact also…

Making the Call DCP&P caseworkers and case managers have a significant amount of discretion when deciding whether a child is safe. This critical judgment call determines where a child can live. For this reason, it’s important to do whatever you can to help them make an informed decision about your child’s safety. Doing so takes…

Step by Step CPS investigations must be completed within a certain timeframe, typically within 60 days. During those 60 days, investigating caseworkers must follow certain guidelines and protocol as set forth by the CPS agency. The investigation process is thorough, involving steps such as interviews with family members, home visits, and reviewing records. The point…

When the Parents Aren’t Involved Parents and caregivers aren’t the only ones who perpetrate child abuse or neglect. Siblings can also abuse their siblings physically, emotionally, and sexually. New Jersey’s CPS agency, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), takes instances of sibling abuse seriously and handles cases a little differently. If the allegations…

Alison Williams Receives Award As founder and owner of the Williams Law Group, LLC, Allison C. Williams is no stranger to accomplishment. Having been recognized in 2017 as one of the top 50 women attorneys in New Jersey and as a Law Firm 500 honoree for fastest growing firms, Ms. Williams is proud to accept…

We are pleased to announce that our law firm has been named a 2017 Law Firm 500 Honoree awarded to the fastest growing law firms in the US.