CPS vs. Child Welfare Services in Juvenile Dependency Cases: What’s the Difference?

If you have had a case referred to Child Protective Services (CPS), it may be confusing to hear all of the different terms thrown around. For instance, you may also hear people talk about Child Welfare Services or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). To make your juvenile dependency case a little easier to deal with, it’s important to get a better grasp of terms like CPS and Child Welfare Services.

Child Welfare Services (CWS) is the term for the entire system that governs children’s welfare in California. For example, Child Welfare Services in California has emergency response team members who respond as soon as they receive a report of neglect or abuse. Additionally, CWS also handles adoption, fostering, and similar tasks.

However, there can be a lot of crossover between DCFS, CPS, and Child Welfare Services. These types of services are left up to each county in California, so every county uses a different name. It’s possible that the investigators who serve in CPS in one county would be known as DCFS agents in a different county.

A good example of this can be found in Orange County. Orange County’s Child Protective Services is the Department of Child and Family Services (CFS) within the Social Services Agency (SSA).

You’ll see CPS go by different names in other counties. San Francisco County calls it HSA Family and Children's Services (FCS). Meanwhile, CPS-style services are provided by the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles County (DCFS).

While each county may run things in a slightly different way, CPS, CWS, DCFS, and other child-focused agencies generally perform similar tasks. Typically, CPS is called in if someone suspects abuse or neglect. For example, a teacher may have noticed that a student never has a coat and always goes hungry at lunch. Alternatively, a neighbor may call CPS if they frequently hear arguments and the sound of physical fighting next door.

Once CPS is called in, they must investigate the situation. If they believe that there is a problem, they may do things like petition the court for the child’s removal, schedule a dependency hearing, or offer family reunification services to fix the issue.

While the California CPS court process is unenjoyable to go through, it’s important to keep in mind that you have rights as a parent. You are allowed to be represented by a lawyer in court. Additionally, you can provide evidence to support your case.

If you are dealing with CPS, it’s important to seek out professional help. As a result of the CPS investigation, the court can decide to remove your child. Once this occurs, you will have to follow every step in your case plan before the court will allow you to regain custody again.

In serious cases, a CPS case can even lead to criminal prosecution. Because of this, you should talk to your lawyer about how to get a dependency case dismissed. Even if you can’t get the case dismissed, your attorney can discuss the best way to mitigate any harm.

No one wants to deal with CPS and Child Welfare Services. While they may have different names, they perform the same essential services. Once these organizations show up at your front door, your parental rights and family stability are at risk. Because of this, it’s important to seek out professional help as soon as you are approached by a child investigator.

If you or a loved one are being investigated by CPS, you are not alone. Our team of legal professionals can walk you through what to expect and review the facts in your case. Learn more by giving us a call today.