CPS CASES
Has CPS (Child Protective Services) contacted you and asked to see your children? Have you been accused of abusing or neglecting a child in your care?
CPS has a tremendous amount of power. They can interview your children without your consent and ask a judge to remove them from your custody. If you've been contacted by CPS, or you already have an open case, you're probably scared, confused, and angry; that's a completely normal response to an abnormal amount of power being exercised over your family.
What you need right now is someone who knows this system from the inside, someone who knows what to expect from CPS, and who can speak up for you. With nearly 20 years on cases like these, including time representing Florida's child welfare agency in court, both early in my career and recently, I know how these cases are built and how to take them apart.
I've represented a state agency, parents, and relatives in child welfare, dependency, and termination of parental rights cases. I can represent you at hearings and advise you at meetings with CPS/DSS workers, bringing a wealth of experience from both sides of the system to work entirely in your favor.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A CPS CASE
When a parent or caregiver is accused of abuse or neglect, CPS may open an investigation. Depending on what they find, a child can be removed from the home and placed in foster care or with relatives; this is called a dependency case. The judge appoints a guardian ad litem, an attorney who represents your child's interests throughout the case, separately from yours or the other parent's. If the court finds the child was abused, neglected, or abandoned, you'll receive a service plan: specific requirements (parenting classes, counseling, stable housing, drug testing, and similar) you must complete to have your child returned. If a service plan isn't completed, the agency can petition to terminate your parental rights permanently. Read my full guide to what happens in a Virginia dependency case.
You're entitled to an attorney at every stage including court hearings and meetings with child welfare staff. I can help you understand your rights, advocate for you at every stage, including trial and, if necessary, an appeal to Circuit Court, and guide you through your service plan so you know exactly what's expected and why.
Fees for child welfare, dependency, and termination of parental rights cases begin at $6,300. Every family's situation is different; a case that resolves at the investigation stage looks very different from one that goes all the way to a termination hearing. I'll walk you through what to expect for your specific case during your consultation.
FEES
ANSWERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A few of the questions I hear most about CPS cases. See more common myths about CPS investigations
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Yes. CPS workers can interview your children without your consent; they're only required to notify you after the interview happens, not before.
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Yes, and the earlier the better. Even an informal-seeming conversation can shape the rest of your case. I can be present at meetings with CPS/DSS workers to help protect your rights from the very first contact.
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Your child would be placed in foster care or with relatives while the case proceeds. You'd receive a service plan outlining what's required for reunification; common requirements include parenting classes, counseling, stable housing, and drug testing. Most parents who complete their service plan successfully are reunified with their children.
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Even if a report is "unfounded," CPS keeps investigation records for three years. If a case is "founded," records are kept for three to eighteen years depending on severity.
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No. Reunification is typically the primary goal when it can be safely accomplished, and CPS workers generally collaborate with parents, attorneys, and the guardian ad litem toward that outcome, though that doesn't mean you should navigate the process without your own advocate.
TESTIMONIALS
In Their Own Words
How it feels to have me in your corner.
"You were always one of the strongest attorneys and advocates when we worked together."
Sharon B., Social Worker, Florida Department of Children and Families
"Many, many thanks for your input and advice... We appreciated your sharing with us your conclusion that hiring a lawyer likely would make no difference in the outcome of our appeal. Many thanks for guiding us through what continues to be a very confusing system to us."
M & F, CPS Consultation Clients
“Miss Clay, I am very grateful for your hard work with my case, and yesterday you did so much to help represent my children. I do value and appreciate your hard work. Thank you very much, and I wish you well!”
A.S., CPS Client
Thank you so much for your guidance and help, Ms. Clay! You were a beast in the courts for me, and I appreciate that so much. My family was impressed and said you had reasonable and respectful arguments on our behalf.
CKR, CPS Client
Get the Legal Help You Need Today.
What you do in these early days can shape the rest of your case.