Child Protection Proceedings
It can be a frightening event to interact with a Child Protective Services worker. There are typically a few results that can occur from that investigation. The first and best outcome for the parent is that the report has been determined to be “unfounded,” which means that the worker was unable to find some credible evidence to believe that any child maltreatment occurred. In the second case, the investigator determined the minimum evidentiary standard to exist. The report itself will be “indicated,” which means it shall be maintained in the New York State Central Registry. Depending on the severity of the situation, the Department of Social Services (of which Child Protective Services is an agency) may remove the child(ren) from the home and initiate a legal proceeding in Family court according to Article 10 of the Family Court Act. In that court proceeding, the Department of Social Services may seek a finding against the parent of abuse or neglect of a child. Required compliance with specific terms or the court permanently removing the child(ren) from the parent, including the potential termination of parental rights, are possible outcomes.
We have represented individuals relative to various aspects of child protective proceedings and are certainly willing to assist you if necessary.
