Child Abuse And Neglect FAQ
Answers To Your Questions From New Jersey Child Abuse Lawyers You Can Trust
Child abuse and neglect cases in New Jersey can be very confusing and overwhelming, especially if you have been accused of such allegations. This is why it’s critical that you obtain accurate information, especially if your rights are at stake.
That’s why our New Jersey child abuse attorneys at Williams Law Group, LLC want to help. Our legal team has years of experience dealing with such complex legal cases throughout New Jersey. As a result, we have an in-depth understanding of how the legal system works, especially when it comes to the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) and investigations into allegations of child abuse or neglect.
Don’t take chances with your future. Make sure you fully understand your legal rights. Contact our law firm and schedule an appointment with a New Jersey child abuse attorney you can trust. We can answer your questions and get right to work on your important legal case.
– Fatima M.
What Is Your Child Abuse and Neglect Question?
- What are common child abuse and neglect cases?
- Who investigates child abuse allegations in New Jersey?
- Do I have to talk to child abuse investigators in New Jersey?
- Does my child have to talk to a DCPP child abuse investigator?
- Which court in New Jersey handles child abuse claims?
- How long do most child abuse investigations take in New Jersey?
- Can my child be removed from my home due to a child abuse allegation?
- Can I appeal a child abuse ruling in New Jersey?
- How can a New Jersey child abuse lawyer help me?
Don’t see your specific question? Don’t worry. Simply contact us and schedule an appointment today. Our New Jersey child abuse attorneys can provide you with the information you need to make important legal decisions about your future.
What are common child abuse and neglect cases?
Child abuse and neglect cases can cover a wide range, including allegations or incidents involving:
- Physical child abuse, including hitting, slapping or kicking a child.
- Sexual abuse, including child molestation or inappropriate touching.
- Emotional child abuse, including yelling or insulting a child.
In addition, there are other incidents that are considered child abuse but might not be by the general public, including:
- Children witnessing domestic violence or drug use involving a parent or legal guardian.
- Unresolved mental issues through no fault of the parent have not been resolved through medication or failure to seek medical care.
So much of this area of the law depends on the degree of the abuse and who defines that degree. This is why it’s important for anyone accused to child abuse or neglect to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
Who investigates child abuse allegations in New Jersey?
In most cases, most allegations of child abuse or neglect in New Jersey are investigated by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). In most cases, the DCPP case worker assigned to investigate your case will start their investigation within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.
In addition, local police, prosecutors, and other law enforcement agencies may investigate your child abuse or neglect complaint if authorities believe a crime took place.
Do I have to talk to child abuse investigators in New Jersey?
No. You are not required to respond to questions from the DCPP case worker investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect in New Jersey. In fact, in some cases, it may be in your best interests to not answer any questions asked by a DCPP case worker. But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. In most cases, the best thing to do is to talk to a New Jersey abuse lawyer right away to learn more about your options and legal rights.
Does my child have to talk to a DCPP child abuse investigator?
No. If you don’t want your children to talk to the New Jersey DCPP case worker assigned to investigate a report of child abuse or neglect, you as a parent have the right to request that your child not be interviewed by the assigned DCPP case worker. However, keep in mind that the DCPP may then file a request to obtain a court order to interview your child.
Which court in New Jersey handles child abuse claims?
When courts become involved with child abuse or neglect incidents in New Jersey, it is normally, the New Jersey Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part that is involved in such legal matters.
Like other courts in the state, the Family Part of the Chancery Division of the New Jersey Superior Court is organized geographically by county throughout the state. In addition, if investigators believe a crime has occurred, the New Jersey Superior Court’s Criminal Division may become involved in the legal matter as well.
How long do most child abuse investigations take in New Jersey?
In many cases, the DCPP will complete its investigation of a report of child abuse or neglect within 60 days of the incident being reported to the state agency. However, in some cases, some investigations can take longer depending on the complexity of the case and other factors.
But just because the DCPP claims they need more time to investigate a report of child abuse or neglect does not give the state agency a blanket excuse to drag on their investigation for as long as they want. This is one area where an attorney can assist you and demand that the DCPP conclude their disruptive investigation as soon as possible so you can resume living your life.
Can my child be removed from my home due to a child abuse allegation?
Yes. The DCPP and the New Jersey court system have the right to remove your child from your custody if they believe your child was abused or neglected and is in imminent danger of being abused or neglected in the future. The DCPP takes reports of child abuse or neglect very seriously. You should too since the consequences can be significant for you and your family.
Can I appeal a child abuse ruling in New Jersey?
Yes. You have the right to appeal a ruling by the DCPP or a New Jersey Superior Court judge related to your child abuse or neglect case. In most cases, you will file your appeal with the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division, if you disagree with the trial court’s decision. If the findings in your case are “substantiated,” you have 20 days to file your appeal from the date of the DCPP finding. If the DCPP finding is classified as “established” or “not established,” you have 45 days from the date of the DCPP finding to file a Notice of Appeal. Make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to appeal your case. Talk to an attorney at our law firm right away.
How can a New Jersey child abuse lawyer help me?
Child abuse or neglect cases in New Jersey can be complicated and confusing. The stakes can be extremely high as well. If a DCPP case worker investigates a report of child abuse or neglect and finds evidence of either, your child could be removed from your home on a temporary or permanent basis.
Our knowledgeable New Jersey child abuse attorneys have extensive experience dealing with DCPP child abuse investigations. We also routinely appear in New Jersey Superior Court with clients dealing with child abuse or neglect cases. As a result, we know exactly what to do and what steps to take to give our clients the best opportunity for success. You can count on us when it matters most.