Child Protective Services in Denton & Surrounding Counties

In the State of Texas, any person who has reason to believe that a child’s physical, mental or emotional welfare/health is being adversely affected by either abuse or negligence are bound by an ethical duty to immediately report the information that they know about the situation to Child Protective Services. If that person is a professional, such as a teacher, preacher, counselor, or doctor, they may have a legal duty to report such information. Some of those reports are certainly valid and some are likely based on miscommunication, ulterior motives or overactive imaginations. Regardless of the circumstances, the best possible outcome for you and your children or loved one cannot be achieved without knowing your rights, your options, the law and the procedure of a Child Protective Services case.

What Do You Do When They Show Up at Your Door?

When CPS shows up at your door, they are there to determine if there is a basis for further investigation or even immediate removal of your children. This is a truly frightening experience for both the parents and children involved. It is important to know that you do have the right to request that the CPS investigator delay interviewing you and the children and coming into your house until such time as your attorney can be present. That request will only delay the process for a short period of time. That time should be used to consult with and retain an attorney experienced in Child Protective Services cases to protect your rights. It is important to take action immediately as delaying the case without a valid reason or for longer than is absolutely necessary will only create more suspicion and confusion on the part of CPS and is more likely to result in the emergency removal of your children.

If you are represented by a competent, experienced attorney they may be able to prevent in depth investigation, delay removal, secure placement of the children with a family member, negotiate an agreement for you to work services or reach an agreement with CPS that would prevent removal of your children or preserve your rights if the children are removed to allow for them to be returned to you as quickly as possible.

A Nightmare for Your Family

Dealing with CPS can be a nightmare for a variety of reasons. Not the least of these is all the extremely complicated processes and systems you need to understand and navigate These types of cases are very complex and require a specific level of specialization that many Family Law attorneys find daunting. Navigating this treacherous process without the aid of an attorney who knows the system and Texas law will likely hamper your chances of accomplishing your goals.

Those whose lives have been disrupted by Child Protective Services often feel like the situation is hopeless but you still have options. Brandi Underwood can discuss options to assist you if:

• You fear your child may be removed from your home by CPS and you want to prevent this from happening to your family.
• Your child has been removed from your home by CPS and you want to contest this decision.
• Your child has been removed from your home by CPS and you want to seek placement of your child with a relative while they are in the custody of CPS.
• Your child has been removed from your home by CPS and you want to navigate the process of a CPS case in the best way possible to allow you to prevent termination of your parental rights and secure return of your child as soon as possible.
• You are someone seeking the placement of a child who is currently in the custody of CPS in your home.

Brandi has represented parents, children and other family members in Child Protective Services cases in Denton, Collin, Dallas and Cooke counties and is familiar with the judges, Assistant District Attorneys, CPS investigators and caseworkers, CASA supervisors and advocates and other attorneys likely to be involved in or appointed on your case. If you live in Denton, Collin, Dallas or Cooke counties, you should immediately call Underwood Law Office if you are facing a CPS investigation or case in North Texas.