The Reasons Why CPS Can Investigate You
The United States of America has many laws in place to protect children under the age of 18. If it is determined that a parent is acting in a way that may harm the child, he or she may be investigated by CPS and subjected to the harsh potential consequences if guilt is determined by a jury or judge. In some cases, the child or children may even be removed from the home and the parent could have his or her parental rights revoked.
The investigative process itself can be very damaging to a family. The child or children will be intensely questioned, and may be temporarily removed from the home, causing anxiety and fear. If you’re under investigation by CPS and want to protect your family from the pain of wrongful accusations, contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will serve as a buffer between you and the social worker handling your case, making it easier to be successful in your fight for justice. If you’ve been accused of abusing drugs or being involved in illegal drug related activities as a parent, call Grabel & Associates. Our team of attorneys will aggressively fight on your behalf, helping you wrap up your case as soon as possible.
What Is CPS?
CPS, or Child Protective Services, is a government agency that investigates child abuse and neglect. It was set in place to protect the young and vulnerable, often from adults that the child knows and trusts. There are mandatory reporting laws in place that require certain individuals to inform the agency of any suspected abuse or neglect. Nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, childcare providers, and law enforcement officers, along with others in similar professions, are all required to report to CPS if they suspect a child is in danger or has been harmed.
While these mandatory reporting laws have saved many children, there are times when unwarranted reports are filed. For example, if a child comes to school with bruises, the teacher may wrongfully conclude that the parent is responsible and report to CPS. There may be a logical explanation for the bruises, but unfortunately, it may not be heard out until the damage of an investigation has already been done. If you’re facing unjust accusations and want to protect yourself and your family, calling an attorney is the first step to take.
What Constitutes Abuse or Neglect?
The abuse of drugs or alcohol can have a severely negative impact on a child’s life. Studies have proven the damage of parental abuse of drugs and involvement in drug related activities. To protect children from these harmful situations, the United States has expanded the civil definition of abuse and neglect to include the following circumstances:
- Using drugs that impair a parent’s ability to care for his or her child.
- Exposing a child to the illegal sale or distribution of drugs.
- Manufacturing a drug in front of a child or in a home where the child lives.
- Selling, distributing, or giving drugs to a child.
- Exposing a child to a place where the equipment for the manufacturing of drugs is used or stored.
If you’ve been accused of any of the above, CPS may begin investigating you to determine if you are a fit guardian.
Our Approach to CPS Cases Involving Drugs
At Grabel & Associates, we take cases involving CPS very seriously. If you’ve been accused of abusing or neglecting a child, contact our team as soon as possible. The earlier we get involved, the better your chances are at receiving a favorable outcome in your case. We know that accusations of drug abuse can be extremely damaging, regardless of the outcome of the investigation. We are committed to protecting you and your family throughout every stage of your case, and will offer sound advice to help you navigate this difficult situation. If you or someone you love is being investigated by CPS, contact us today to learn more about your options.
Contact Us for Help Fighting Wrongful CPS Investigations
A talented member of our staff is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-342-7896 to receive a free initial case consultation and to learn more about how to combat accusations of drug abuse. We understand that the wellbeing of your family is your top priority, which is why we’ll help you in every aspect of your case to ensure the best possible results.