Cooperating with Child Protection Services can be akin to cooperating with the police in a case against you. Don’t do it. That said, if Social Services comes knocking at your door, be calm, polite, respectful, and don’t offer a single piece of additional information. Remember, they are there to ferret out neglect or abuse. Don’t even let them in the door, even if you have done nothing wrong.
Before they leave, make sure to find out what allegations are outstanding against you. Write the allegations down, or better yet, record them via audio or videotape. Sometimes, a visit such as this can be so upsetting that you may not remember exactly what was said.
Remember, you are not alone. Many, many people have gotten caught in the snare of Social Services net when they have done nothing wrong or have made an honest mistake. In trying to explain a misunderstanding, they have wound up having a child taken away from them on the basis of false allegations or a misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
Social Services workers are often acting from an anonymous tip. For example, a neighbor may hear loud crying and decide something is going on and call Social Services. In the case of an anonymous tip, the Social Services or Child Protect Worker has no actual information other than that tip — unless you provide them with information that can be used against you.
Please note that even if a CPS investigator knocks at your door, you do not even have to let the investigator in your house unless they show you a search warrant. You retain all your constitutional rights – exercise them. Having an attorney who is experienced in handling situations involving social services can provide you with the protection you need to keep your family together. It can also provide badly needed reassurance during a frightening time.
Need Protection Against Social Services? Skilled Jenkintown Child Custody and Family Law Attorney
Are you concerned about how to protect yourself and your right to parent your children through a Social Services investigation? Find out more about your rights and how to safeguard your family. To schedule a completely confidential consultation with a knowledgeable and caring family law attorney at Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates, in Jenkintown, PA, please call 215-886-1266 or you can fill out our intake form and we will contact you.
Keeping you focused on the big picture and the issues that matter most. Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates. We serve clients throughout Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia counties, and the surrounding areas in matters involving Social Services, Child Protection, child custody, support, divorce, and other family law matters.