Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP/formerly DYFS)

New Jersey DCPP Lawyers You Can Count On With Your Legal Case

When someone is accused of child abuse or neglect in New Jersey, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) often investigates such issues. When this happens, it’s critical that parents, legal guardians, foster parents or anyone else involved in such complex legal cases talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Our New Jersey DCCP attorneys at Williams Law Group, LLC know exactly what to do. That’s because we have been doing this work for years. Our law firm’s founding attorney Allison Williams has a well-earned reputation for her in-depth knowledge of the complex rules and regulations related to child abuse and neglect cases in New Jersey. That’s why many people dealing with a DCPP investigation rely on us to fight for their rights.

What is the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP)?

Child protective services in New Jersey is referred to as the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), or formerly known as the Division of Youth and Family Service (DYFS). This agency oversees all child abuse and neglect cases in the state of New Jersey. DCPP receives referrals regarding allegations of child abuse and neglect and typically begins investigations within 24 hours of receiving those referrals.

The Division’s ultimate role in these cases is to determine if there is any abuse or neglect occurring or whether a child is at risk of harm based on something happening in the home. The Williams Law Group focuses on DCPP Law. If you want qualified representation in DCPP, no one compares to Attorney Allison Williams. When protecting your child, turn to our New Jersey DCPP lawyers first.

Why Might Someone Report an Incident to DCPP?

Someone may report an incident to DCPP if they have concerns that a child is being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused or is at risk of harm due to untreated mental illnesses, substance abuse or domestic violence in the home.

Anyone in the state may report a concern of abuse or neglect to DCPP. New Jersey is a mandatory reporting state which means that anyone who has a reasonable concern that abuse or neglect is occurring, is mandated to report that to the Division.

DCPP Investigation Process in New Jersey

When a DCPP investigation begins, the agency sends a caseworker to the child’s home to speak with the minor and the members of the household. After that initial visit, the caseworker will then contact the relevant people in the child’s life who have additional information, including medical providers and teachers.

DCPP is required to complete its investigation and decide whether there was abuse or neglect within 60 days of the initial visit. However, the Division can request 30-day extensions if they are unable for any reason to complete their investigation within that time.

A DCPP investigation can eventually result in a permanency hearing, which involves creating a long-term plan for the welfare of a child. DCPP matters are some of the most complicated cases to understand and to navigate. If you find yourself involved with DCPP, contact our lawyers in the area for legal assistance. After reviewing your file, we can make the determination of how to proceed and will

What Rights Does a Person Have if They Are Being Investigated by DCPP?

If a person is being investigated by DCPP, they do not have to allow the caseworker into their home. Nonetheless, if you refuse access to your home, DCPP may file a Complaint and request an Order to Investigate, requesting the Court to require your compliance. If the Order to Investigate is granted, which is highly likely, the Division will then be permitted to conduct its investigation, including the home visit, under Court Order. 

A parent or guardian being investigated does not have to speak with the caseworker regarding the allegations without a DCPP attorney present. Therefore, this person can ask that the interview and any other requests made by DCPP take place with their New Jersey lawyer present.

The decision to accept or decline services from DCPP depends on the situation, and therefore, should be addressed with an attorney experienced in DCPP matters as soon as possible.

The Role of the DCPP in the Outcome of Child Abuse Cases

DCPP ultimately decides at the end of their investigation as to whether abuse or neglect occurred. The decision falls into one of four categories as to whether abuse or neglect happened. Based on that finding, there can be possible appeal options, moving forward, which ultimately should be discussed with a lawyer.

The Family Division is complex, and unfortunately it is not uncommon to have judges in FM, FD, or FV matters review DCPP records, allowing counsel to review the records in court. Counsel is not provided with a copy of the records and does not have the opportunity to review these records with their client. The judge under the FM, FD and FV matters then rely upon some or all of the DCPP unvetted findings in making determinations regarding custody and parenting time.

Our attorneys in New Jersey are all too aware of this situation and to this end, we guarantee that we will zealously advocate for our clients in those situations. Our priority is to achieve the best possible outcome during DCPP’s involvement to avoid unvetted findings from becoming the final decision. We review DCPP records with our clients to absorb, digest and discredit agency investigative findings. We do not want you handicapped in protecting your children simply by virtue of the court’s overtaking that responsibility.

Trial Preparation in New Jersey DCPP Cases

Notwithstanding the compulsory language of the statutory exceptions to confidentiality, DCPP routinely objects to disclosure of these records, necessitating seeking a court order to disseminate the records to counsel. The Williams Law Group diligently files this order and thus, if an expert conducts an evaluation, compiles third-party hearsay statements from collateral contacts and otherwise gathers discovery – information to be used at trial – our office obtains a copy well before the trial date.

Contact a New Jersey DCPP Attorney You Can Trust

The Williams Law Group, LLC fights for child welfare and advocacy. We stand behind the clients we represent and construct the best possible DCPP strategy for their particular situation. Our goal is to achieve a successful outcome for the child, parent, and family. Contact our New Jersey DCPP lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights and to schedule a case consultation. We put your best interests first here.