HABLA ESPAÑOL • AVAILABLE 24/7/365 • HELP WITH BAIL BONDS

(949) 622-5522
Make a Payment
(949) 622-5522
En Español
Schedule Consultation

What Happens When CPS Places Your Child in Foster Care Under Juvenile Dependency

Available 24/7/365
See All Criminal Defense Practice Areas

What Happens When CPS Places Your Child in Foster Care Under Juvenile Dependency

Available 24/7/365
See All Criminal Defense Practice Areas

As Seen In

10 News First
CNN
Court TV
Forbes
Huff Post Live Alt
Huff Post Live
KTLA

What Happens When CPS Places Your Child in Foster Care Under Juvenile Dependency

Summary: This page covers What Happens When a Child is Placed in Foster Care?, How Long Can a Child Be in Foster Care Before Parental Rights Are Terminated?, Access Top-Notch Juvenile Dependency Lawyers Near You.

After Child Protective Services (CPS) starts an investigation, they may decide to put your child in foster care until the investigation is complete. Additionally, a child may remain in foster care until the juvenile dependency court determines that it is safe for them to return home.

As a parent, this can be a confusing, emotionally-wrought experience. The foster care process in California takes time, and it can be challenging to get your child back out of the system. By learning more about the process, you can figure out what to expect and the best method for getting your child back.

What Happens When a Child is Placed in Foster Care?

Typically, this entire process begins when someone voices concern about a child’s well-being. When this happens, CPS has a few different options. For example, they can determine that the child is fine and discontinue the investigation. If the problem is minor, they may offer free parenting classes or other services to help.

However, CPS can also ask the court to remove the child from your care and place them in the California foster care system. If the problem places the child at severe risk, CPS can also move to put the child into foster immediately.

Once your child is removed from your care, there are a few things you should do right away.

  • Provide phone numbers: First, give CPS the number of your family members or friends who may be able to care for the child, preventing the need for foster care.
  • Go to the detention hearing: In California, a detention hearing must be held by the end of the day that the petition is filed. At this hearing, the judge will decide if your child will go home with you or be placed in alternative care. You are legally allowed to have a lawyer. If you can’t pay for one on your own, the court can appoint an attorney for you
  • Show up for the jurisdiction hearing: A few days later, there will be a jurisdiction hearing. This will determine if the judge believes the allegations are true. If so, they will decide on where the child is going to live and what types of services are needed before the child can return home. However, the judge can also decide during this hearing that the allegations are unfounded and your child can return home.
  • Follow your reunification plan: If the child is removed from your care, there will likely be a reunification plan put in place. You must carefully follow all of the treatments, therapies, and requirements in this plan in order for your child to return home.

How Long Can a Child Be in Foster Care Before Parental Rights Are Terminated?

The foster care process in California isn’t for the faint of heart. It is time-consuming and complex, making a difficult situation even more challenging for parents. While you retain your parental rights when the child is in foster care, these rights can be terminated if the child is in care for 15 of the last 22 months, according to Rule 5.820. The courts want to give the child permanency, so there is a strong push toward finding a long-lasting, secure situation for the child as the case goes on.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. With the help of a foster care lawyer, you can figure out the best method for maintaining your parental rights after your child has been placed in foster care.

Access Top-Notch Juvenile Dependency Lawyers Near You

Are you struggling to navigate juvenile dependency court? While the foster care process in California may be confusing, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team of experienced dependency lawyers have spent years working with CPS and the judicial system in California. Find out more about how we can support your case by emailing us today .

Get A Criminal Defense Consultation Now

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Recover Your Future with a Commanding Legal Defense

Immediate Action to Restore Control

Neutralize threats & prevent escalation with a firm that begins active case management as soon as you retain us

24/7 Access to Elite Legal Counsel

Connect with a member of our team at any time to begin addressing your legal challenges swiftly and decisively

Resolve Uncertainty with Clear Guidance

Reduce stress and uncertainty through honest, candid assessments and a clear, strategic path to resolution

Fierce Representation for Urgent Situations

Secure lasting stability for you or your loved one through an aggressive defense and diligent case preparation

Contact Us 24/7/365

Criminal Defense Case Results

Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

Read More Case Results

Hear From Our Clients

Refreshing & Life-Changing Experience

Lauren Johnson-Norris was not only responsive, she was compassionate and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend her. She negotiated with the district attorney and brought the case to a win/win.

Shannon, a Criminal Defense client

Lauren Johnson-Norris was amazing. She explained everything in ways that were easily understood, & answered all of my questions. She was respectful, but also open & honest. She started work on my case the first day we met & got results quickly. She demonstrated passion, concern, and showed true feeling for my situation. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I would say she has an incredible attention for detail, & has a real dedication to her work. Lauren Johnson-Norris would be my first recommendation to any of my family or friends similarly in need of legal assistance.

Heather, a Juvenile client

Thank you, Ms. Johnson-Norris, for your help and support in a very scary, bad time in my life! You were a ray of sunshine in a very dark place. I didn’t have to step foot in a courtroom once; Ms. Johnson-Norris was there for me. Always kept me up to date and informed of the progress of my case, was able to work out a very good deal with the courts. If you need a great attorney that will work for you and with you, then I would highly recommend you hire Lauren Johnson-Norris!

J.B., a criminal client

Ms. Johnson-Norris was very effective in dealing with a juvenile criminal charge, getting it routed to a diversion program, minimizing court appearances, and being supportive to both my son and me.

Keith, a Juvenile client

Lauren Johnson-Norris changed my life and my family’s in September 2014. I was a troubled young girl with some convictions on my record from my early adult life. I have grown older and changed my life but my past kept rearing its ugly head. I started researching expungement and found Ms. Johnson-Norris, and I am so glad I did. She treated me like a person and as I told her about myself she really engaged in my situation and I felt I was not some number to her but a real person. She expunged two felonies I had. One of them the courts did not want to expunge, but Ms. Johnson-Norris would not take no for an answer and fought for me! She always kept me posted on what was going on. I believe God led me to her. She is very talented and knows what she is doing. She is extremely professional and is not only after your money. She has a heart under her tough Lawyer position that she does so well. She cleared my record and gave me hope for my future, my husband’s and my son! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER. If you had a rough past and are trying to change your life. Go see Ms. Johnson-Norris; she knows what she is doing.

A.M., a criminal client

Read more Testimonials

Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

.

Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

Habla Español • Available 24/7/365 Help With Bail Bonds

Schedule A Consultation
(949) 622-5522