A CPS investigation is different from any challenge you’ve faced as a parent. It’s natural to feel afraid, angry, and uncertain when your family is thrown into the chaos of a child abuse or neglect case. But even in your darkest moments, know this: you have rights worth protecting, and you don’t have to face CPS alone.
At Dodson Law Firm, PLLC, our CPS defense lawyers are committed to doing what it takes to keep your family together. We’re not here to judge you or pry into your personal life unnecessarily – we’re here to listen, advise, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
You can count on us to bring clarity to your case, cut through the noise, and work towards a resolution that protects your relationship with your children. If you’re ready to put an experienced, compassionate legal team in your corner, contact us for your confidential consultation.
Child Protective Services (CPS) is a division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Its mission is to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by investigating reports of child maltreatment and providing services to families in need.
CPS gets involved when someone makes a report alleging that a child has been abused or neglected. Once received, they are obligated to investigate. If the investigation determines that a child is not safe in their home, CPS has the authority to remove the child and place them in foster care or with a relative. In the most serious cases, they may seek to terminate parental rights.
A CPS investigation typically starts with the intake and screening of a report made to the child abuse hotline. If the allegations meet the legal definitions of abuse or neglect, CPS assigns a caseworker to investigate.
The investigation process usually involves:
Based on their findings, CPS will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to conclude that abuse or neglect occurred. The potential outcomes include:
It’s crucial to get a Houston CPS defense attorney involved as early as possible in this process. An experienced lawyer can advise you of your rights, help you understand what to expect, and start building your defense right away.
When you’re under investigation by CPS, it’s important to know that you still have rights as a parent. You have the right to:
Groups like the Parent Guidance Center and the Family Rights Advocacy provide additional information and support for parents navigating the CPS system.
Facing a CPS investigation can make you feel powerless, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our skilled Houston CPS defense lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process and fight for the best possible outcome for your family.
We can help by:
We have strong professional relationships with the Harris County family courts, court-appointed guardians and attorneys for children, and other key players in the child welfare system. We put those connections to work to protect our clients.
At Dodson Law Firm, PLLC, our family lawyers have decades of combined experience successfully defending parents in CPS investigations and removals across the Greater Houston Area. We’ve helped countless families overcome incredibly challenging situations and move forward with their lives.
While CPS serves an important purpose, the unfortunate reality is that they sometimes overstep their authority and intervene in families’ lives unnecessarily. Common criticisms of CPS include:
CPS is a powerful agency, but that doesn’t mean they’re above the law. Our attorneys are not afraid to take an aggressive approach to hold CPS accountable when they violate our clients’ rights or act against the best interests of children. We’re committed to pushing back against unjustified interference in family life.
If you’re under investigation by CPS, time is of the essence. The sooner you have a trusted legal advisor in your corner, the better your chances of preventing the removal of your children and keeping your family together.
The compassionate, experienced attorneys at Dodson Law Firm, PLLC, are ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and start building the strongest possible defense for your CPS case. We offer confidential consultations at no cost to help you understand your rights and what to do next.
With multiple office locations across Greater Houston, we make it convenient to get the legal help your family needs during this difficult time. Evening and weekend appointments are available, and we have bilingual staff members to assist Spanish-speaking clients.
To schedule your initial consultation with a knowledgeable Houston CPS defense lawyer, call our office or fill out our online contact form.
