Focus on the Child
When you’re under investigation by child protective services (the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) in New Jersey) for child abuse or neglect, it’s easy to be on the defensive and fear the worse. Consequently, some parents make the mistake of refusing to cooperate with the DCP&P. This is often misguided. In actuality, thinking like the DCP&P and cooperating when necessary can help you get your child back sooner.
The Duty to Protect
The DCP&P has a duty to protect New Jersey’s children from abuse and neglect and to make sure those children have a safe and permanent home. Keeping that mission in mind can help guide your actions during case proceedings. First, consider working with an attorney who can make sure all your rights are protected. Then, focus on providing a safe home for your child. Work with caseworkers on identifying your family’s strengths and areas where you could improve. Do what the court requires you to do, and listen to suggestions from your caseworkers. Above all, make sure you stay involved in your child’s life as best you can. Caseworkers want to see you make your home a safe place for your child and stay committed to being a good parent even when your child is in foster placement. One way to do this is to insist you be a part of the case planning. Becoming involved in the case planning can help the caseworkers know what services to provide for you to help you get your child back.
You Need a Plan
If your child has been taken from you, and you don’t know what to do next, a good place to start is to consult with a New Jersey child welfare attorney. An experienced attorney who has handled child welfare cases will be well versed in the procedures of the DCP&P and can advise you on what your caseworkers are expecting from you and what you need to do to be in good standing with them. At the same time, an attorney can help make sure you aren’t required to accept services that aren’t relevant to the issues at hand or complete steps that are redundant to what the court has already ordered. Working with an attorney can help ensure you take the right steps toward getting your child back without feeling like your rights have been violated.
Do you have questions about a child welfare case? The attorneys at the Williams Law Group, LLC know how important your child is to you and will help you with your case step by step to ensure your child is returned to you safely. Located in Union, 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 so you can work with an experienced New Jersey divorce and child custody attorney.
