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Has the Department of Child Protection and Permanency visited your home or taken your child away in Paramus, New Jersey? If so, you need and deserve a knowledgeable attorney to guide you through this challenging time. With a lawyer’s support, you can effectively address the DCPP’s concerns, protect your rights, and work toward a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Don’t face this situation alone. Contact a lawyer from Bozanian McGregor, LLC today to discuss your situation and learn how we can make a difference in your case.
Understanding DCPP/DYFS in New Jersey
The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), formerly known as the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), is New Jersey’s child protection and welfare agency. Its primary role is to ensure the safety, well-being, and overall stability of children in the state. DCPP steps in when there are concerns or allegations of child abuse or neglect. The agency conducts investigations and intervenes to protect children when necessary, which might involve placing the child with a relative or in foster care.
The Division aims to keep children safe and, when possible, to keep families together or reunify them. However, their involvement is often stressful and challenging for the families in which they intervene. Families should know they have the right to representation from a family law attorney, who can assist with handling DCPP cases and ensuring fair treatment.
Parents’ and Guardians’ Rights in DCPP Cases
Understanding and exercising your rights as a parent or guardian during a DCPP investigation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Your rights in a DCPP case include the following:
- Right to Understand Why DCPP Is Investigating You: You have the right to full disclosure of the reasons the DCPP is investigating your family.
- Right to Understand DCPP’s Expectations: You have the right to information about what the DCPP expects from you and your child.
- Right to Accept or Refuse Certain Services: You can accept or refuse services that are not mandated by the court, including home visits. However, the DCPP might get the courts involved if you refuse to allow them to enter your home or see your child.
- Right to Information About Available Services: You have the right to information about the services the DCPP can and will provide to your family.
- Right to Professional Interpreter Services: If the DCPP worker speaks a language in which you are not fluent, you have the right to request a professional interpreter at no cost.
- Right to Legal Consultation and Representation: You have the right to consult a lawyer at your own expense at any time. You also have the right to be represented by a lawyer of your choosing or a court-appointed lawyer when appearing in court for your DCPP case.
- Right to Request Dispute Resolution: If you are not satisfied with the DCPP’s decisions, you can request dispute resolution. However, this does not apply to court-ordered decisions.
How a Lawyer Can Help in DCPP Cases
If you have a DCPP case in Paramus, New Jersey, legal representation can make all the difference in its outcome. A lawyer’s help can have a profound impact on the direction and resolution of your case. Here are some ways they can assist you:
- Investigating the circumstances of your case thoroughly
- Explaining your rights and the legal process in clear terms
- Representing you in all court proceedings and meetings
- Challenging any unjust allegations against you
- Communicating with DCPP officials on your behalf
- Gathering and presenting evidence to support your case
- Advocating for your child’s best interests
- Seeking reunification with your child
- Assisting you in creating a plan to address DCPP concerns
- Advising you on how to comply with DCPP requirements
- Defending you against potential termination of parental rights
- Preparing you for testimonies and interviews
- Appealing any unfavorable decisions made in your case
- Protecting your privacy and confidentiality throughout the case
Contact a DCPP Lawyer Now
Dealing with a DCPP case can be stressful and confusing, but help is available. At Bozanian McGregor, LLC, our team of skilled attorneys is ready to offer the support and representation you need. Contact us now to learn more in an initial consultation.