Hemingway Legal
Protecting Your Parental Rights
CPS must initiate an investigation within 24 hours of receiving a report of child abuse or neglect. It can coordinate an investigation with law enforcement officials or conduct its own investigation. In some cases, parents who are trying to cooperate with the authorities have their children removed from the home without due process.
If CPS feels its investigation reveals any evidence of abuse or neglect, it may require the family to participate in mandatory courses and request the family division of the local family court to take jurisdiction over the case. In cases, where it feels there is evidence of serious physical or sexual abuse, CPS may seek termination of parental rights. A hearing is scheduled, and a judge will determine whether this should occur.