Table of Contents
Where Are You In Your CPS Case?
Additional Resources and Information
2. How Do I Help Myself And My Family?
What Can You Do to Advocate For Yourself?
What Can You Do to Advocate For Your Children?
What Does It Mean That a CPS Report Was Made Against Me?
How Does CPS Decide If a Child Is “Safe”?
It’s My Child! Why Is the State Allowed to Get Involved?
4. Who Are All The People Working On My Case?
District Attorney, County Attorney or Regional Attorney
Counselor, Therapist, Other Social Workers
Will My Lawyer Share Confidential Information?
Talking To People Other Than My Lawyer?
What If I Also Have an Open Criminal Case?
Your Child Has The Right to Confidentiality, Too!
Stop! Online Information = Public Information
The Investigation Process: What Should I Expect?
CPS Investigation Outcomes: What Happens Next?
I Disagree With CPS’ Findings: Can I Ask for a Review?
Can I Get a Copy Of the Investigation File?
8. The Court Process And Planning For A Permanent Situation For Your Child
Permanency Planning Team Meetings
9. Cps And Family Group Decision Making
Can I Get a Lawyer to Help Me?
Do I Qualify For a Free Court-Appointed Lawyer?
How Soon Will I Get a Court-Appointed Lawyer?
What Should I Do If the Court is Slow to Appoint A Lawyer?
Do I Need to Tell My Lawyer Everything?
Things My Lawyer Should Be Doing
Are There Things I Should Be Doing to Help My Lawyer?
What if I Don’t Like My Lawyer?
11. Working With Cps And Other Service Providers
Working With Other Service Providers
12. Making The Most Of Visitation
What Will Supervised Visitation Be Like?
Why is Visitation So Important?
A. Parents With Disabilities or Special Needs
E. Parents Who Are Former Foster Youth
G. Parents Who Do Not Speak English As a First Language
H. Parents Who Are Undocumented Immigrants
I. Parents With Native American/Indian Heritage
J. Victims Of Domestic Violence
K. Parents Who Are Not Able to Care For Their Child
L. Parents With a History Of Drug/Alcohol Use
My Child Is Not Coming Home, How Do I Move Forward?
My Child Is Coming Home! What Should I Do Now?
What Can I Do To Keep CPS Out Of My Life?
15. Managing Your Case: Resources & Case Planning
Appendices
Appendix A: Commonly Used Terms
Appendix B: Common Abbreviations & Acronyms