Child Protective Services (CPS) Cases

Representation from Trusted Katy CPS Attorneys

Are you dealing with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or Child Protective Services (CPS)? Hunt Law Firm can help. CPS cases can be difficult to navigate and all parties involved benefit from responsive, knowledgeable counsel. 

Our firm provides receptive, hard-working representation for all stages of CPS cases. Our attorneys will keep you informed during all stages of your matter and will always ensure you are making the decisions that will help determine the outcome of your case.

Hunt Law Firm has become a go-to name in CPS case representation and guidance throughout Texas. We are led by Attorney Alex Hunt, who is a Child Welfare Law Specialist accredited by the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC). 

Contact our firm online or at (832) 781-0320 to begin building your case.

CPS Case Overview

Child Protective Services can be intimidating, and just mentioning the agency's name can cause stress over what can happen to your child. This is why it is important to have legal representation every step of the way.

CPS cases have multiple key factors, including:

• Investigation
• Family-based safety services (FBSS)
• Removal
• Court proceedings

Most CPS cases begin as a result of an anonymous child abuse or child neglect report to the Texas Abuse Hotline. Shortly after, the Department of Family and Protective Services sends an investigator to visit the home and make a determination regarding whether or not the report made is credible.

Depending on allegations, the investigative caseworker will usually interview many parties:

• Parents
• Child
• Daycare or school teachers
• Doctors
• Relatives
• Family friends
• Neighbors

After the investigation, CPS may find that the report is not credible, and they will then close the case by issuing a letter to you in the mail. If, however, they have reason to believe abuse or neglect maybe occurring in the home or may occur in the future, CPS will proceed in any one of numerous possible ways.

One may be a family-based safety services (FBSS) plan that either allows the children to stay in your home or stay with next of kin or close family friends. Often, parents will be expected to complete a plan, often characterized by classes and other services. 

They will also make a number of resources available to parents during and after completion that includes access to daycare and parenting advisers. A failure to complete these programs may result in a petition filed by CPS to remove your children from your home.

Removal & Court Proceedings

The Texas Family Code states the requirements and standards for removing children from their parents or guardians. Depending on the circumstances and the priority level of the alleged abuse, Texas Child Protective Services may remove the children immediately or may go to court to request a removal. 

The typical CPS cases last between 12-18 months. CPS cases are typically held in juvenile courts, family courts, or specialty CPS courts. A family or juvenile judge listens to the evidence and makes important decisions that impact the case.

You will be required to attend numerous hearings, including:

• Full adversary or show cause hearing
• Status hearing
• Permanency hearing
• Final hearing (trial)

It is important to have quality representation, not only at each hearing, but also at the events that occur outside of court that will determine the outcome of the case. Before the status hearing, a meeting will be held to determine what is in the family plan of service. 

The plan will list services to be completed and goals to be meet. CPS also often conducts permanency planning meetings, including family team meetings, family group decision making conferences, family group conferences, and permanency conferences. Parties will also be required to attend mediation before a final hearing as well.

Call On Our Firm for Reliable Legal Counsel

Whether you are a biological parent, adoptive parent, or the child involved in a CPS case, Hunt Law Firm can provide the representation you need. From listening to your goals and objectives to creating a trustworthy client-attorney relationship, we are truly dedicated to you and your wellbeing. Our knowledgeable Katy family law attorneys, led by the expertise of Child Welfare Law Specialist Alex Hunt, are standing by to hear your case and get to work.

Call (832) 781-0320 to schedule your consultation today!