CPS

CPS
  A CPS case can be one of the toughest family law case an attorney has to handle. It can be really heartbreaking, at the same time frustrating. From the point of view of the child, it is alleged that he or she is a victim of neglect or abuse at the hands of people whom he or she needs to trust the most. After all, most CPS cases involve people who are legally tasked to care for the best interests of the alleged victims. On the other hand, from the parents’ point of view, the story can be different. […]

Grandparent Involvement in a CPS Case

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Child Abuse
A closet with a deadbolt, regular wood paddling, nowhere to urinate, and not much room, fed only rice and beans.  These were the conditions that Child Protective Services and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s deputies found seven children in a Richmond, Texas home.  Needless to say, all seven of the special needs children had not been to school, otherwise, the child abuse in Texas would have been caught sooner. In early December, on the 3rd, Paula Sinclair (54) and Allen Richardson (78) were arrested by the Fort Bend County Sheriff.  This came after Child Protective services took a complaint about the […]

Child Abuse in Texas

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Texas Primary Custody
The Texas Family Code is clear that children and youth must attend permanency review hearings, and places additional duties on attorneys ad litem, judges, and the child welfare agency to meet with children in advance of court hearings.  Despite many improvements over the past several years, Texas courts still do not consistently engage youth in meaningful participation in the court process. Ensuring that youth voice is heard and considered continues to be a challenge.  This lack of youth involvement results in foster youth feeling disconnected from the process, and judges not reaping the benefit of their input. Q:  What does […]

The Importance of Youth Voice in Court Proceedings

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CPS Parent Resource Guide Cover
The CPS process is quite confusing, and it can be very tough to navigate on your own. A lawyer can help with this process and explain things to you so that you can make the proper decisions for yourself and your family. This section mostly will deal with expections in regards to what a lawyer can and can’t do for you, as well as ways to help your lawyer in order to maximize the chances of success with your case. How do I get a lawyer? Obviously finding one on your own and retaining them is the first method of […]

CPS Parent Resource Guide Part 10: The Parent Attorney

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CPS Parent Resource Guide Cover 1
If your children have been removed and a judge has determined CPS has enough evidence to maintain temporary custody, the next year of your life will be filled with a series of meetings and court hearings.     Several times throughout the case you and your attorney will meet with CPS for Permanency Planning Team Meetings.  These gatherings are attended by representatives for your child and the CPS caseworker.  Your kids might also be there if they are older than 7.  This should be a cooperative experience between all parties involved.  The department will have a list of services they believe […]

CPS Parent Resource Guide Part 8: Court Process and Planning for a Permanent Process

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CPS Parent Resource Guide Cover
The removal phase is one where there start to become an increasing number of legal protections in place. The most important thing in this phase is to be careful not to consent to things that you do not mean to, and end up waiving your rights before you even know they exist. At the point where CPS wants to physically remove a child, they either need a court order or parental permission, and too often I see situations where it is the latter even though the parents simply felt pressured into agreeing. That said, on the flip side, I also […]

CPS Parent Resource Guide Part 7: Removal

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