Working Toward Reunification
When CPS takes your child, every minute is filled with fear. The CPS system, housed under the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in New Jersey, is not as efficient as it could be. Agency protocol can make it difficult for parents to get their children back even after addressing the issues outlined in their CPS safety plans. When separated from their children, many parents are desperate to get their child back. Unfortunately, many factors can prevent this from happening. If you are wondering when your family will be reunified, here is some information you might find helpful as you work toward reunification.
The Waiting Game
The DCP&P will not reunify your family until it believes your child can live at home safely. If the goal for your case is reunification, a family reunification assessment must be completed no later than three months from the date your child is put in foster placement. These assessments can also be used to develop and evaluate visitation plans and permanency plans. Caseworkers, supervisors, and the court may all have a role in deciding your case goals.
If the assessment results indicate reunification isn’t appropriate at that point, the DCP&P must complete another assessment every three months as long as your child is in placement and reunification continues to be the goal. This is standard protocol for a case assessment. A reunification assessment may be done sooner than three months or more frequently than every three months if CPS is considering returning your child home or before any court proceeding.
Unfortunately, the fate of your family sometimes rests in the hands of overworked DCP&P caseworkers that must follow protocol before reunifying your family. With that in mind, consider working with an experienced New Jersey child abuse defense attorney. An attorney can ensure case review hearings and reunification assessments are done on time and make sure your case goal is reunification. An attorney can also make sure caseworkers follow protocol and consider reunification at least every three months while your child is in placement. This could keep your case moving forward and potentially speed up the reunification process.
If you are under investigation for child abuse, the Williams Law Group, LLC is here to help. The experienced child abuse defense attorneys at Williams Law Group, LLC can help you achieve reunification. Located in Short Hills, New Jersey, Williams Law Group, LLC provides compassionate and dedicated legal services to Union, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties, and the surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable attorneys handle divorce and family law, child custody, and child abuse/neglect cases. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation and ultimately get you connected with an experienced New Jersey divorce and child custody attorney.
