Child Protective Services
Whenever a charge of domestic violence occurs against a child or in the home where a child lives, there is a good chance that Child Protective Services will get involved. As if dealing with a domestic violence charge wasn’t enough, if Child Protective Services becomes involved you may face additional legal actions, including the removal of your child or even the termination of your parental rights.
To ensure your rights – both individual and as a parent – are protected, there are specific actions that you should and shouldn’t take. Here are some tips for what to do when Child Protective Services show up at your door following a California domestic violence charge.
- Ask for details: If Child Protective Services contacts you in regards to an allegation, always ask for the exact nature of the complaint and the details of the charge (ordinance number, case number, etc.)
- Identify the social works and anyone else involved: get their names, contact information and identification numbers.
- Unless they have a warrant, do not let the social worker into your home.
- Do not attend any meetings or appointments unless shown a court order to do so.
- When possible, record all conversations between you and a social worker.
- Never agree to be interviewed by the police without a lawyer present.
- Call your criminal defense attorney.
For nearly two decades, attorney Jonathan I. Kelman has been practicing exclusively in the area of California criminal defense, including domestic violence and dealing with Child Protective Services. He graduated from Southwestern University School of Law at the top of his class and went on to found the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman. His success and dedication to his client’s causes has earned him a reputation as one of California’s leading criminal defense attorneys. As a result, he can regularly be seen as a legal expert on such national news programs as MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, CBS News, Celebrity Justice, TMZ and Entertainment Tonight.
If you have been charged with an act of domestic violence and Child Protective Services has become involved, it is essential that you consult an experienced attorney right away. Remember, when your future is on the line, call the Law Offices of Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218 for your free initial consultation.