What to Expect During a California Juvenile Dependency Case

A juvenile dependency case can start because of many different reasons. For example, a child’s teacher may become worried if the child is frequently at school without a jacket in the winter or if they never have food to eat at lunch. Once a doctor, teacher, or anothe

r adult becomes concerned, they may call CPS.

While the case may have started with a simple concern, it can take months, countless tears, and a significant amount of effort to resolve the case. By learning what to expect, you can have an easier time navigating the juvenile dependency process in California.

A juvenile dependency court hears cases where there are concerns about a child’s neglect, abuse, or general safety. The first goal of the case is to protect the child. Whenever possible, the dependency court will also try to provide the child with a stable home and preserve the family.

What happens in a dependency case in CA? Typically, the California juvenile dependency process begins with a complaint or a concern about the child. However, the next step can vary significantly. While some cases take months and many hearings to resolve, other cases can be handled relatively quickly.

After a concern is expressed, CPS will begin investigating whether the concern is based on a real problem, such as an uninhabitable home or abuse. During this stage, the case worker will determine if the child should be removed from the parents’ custody or not. If the initial investigation indicates a real threat to the child’s safety and health, the child will most likely be placed in foster care until the case can be fully investigated and resolved.

The timeline in dependency court in California can vary significantly based on the problems addressed in the case, the case plan, hearing schedule, and similar factors. While the substance and timeline of the case will vary, most CPS cases will involve one or more hearings.

• Initial hearing: Known as the detention hearing, this is the hearing where the court tells you about what is going on. You’ll get a copy of the petition and case-related materials. The court will decide where the child will live during the duration of the case.
• Jurisdictional hearing and dispositional hearings: The jurisdiction hearing is when the court decides if the petition is true.
• Review hearing: There may be one or more review hearings to monitor the progress of the case. For instance, the court will follow up on any rehab, therapy, housing, and employment plans.
• Disposition hearing: During a disposition hearing, the court decides what the outcome will be for the child.

The reason why juvenile dependency cases unfold differently is because the reunification services and therapeutic support the family needs will depend on the cause of the case. For instance, if a parent suffers from alcohol use disorder, they may need to successfully go to rehab before they can regain custody. Other people don’t need rehab. Instead, the court may require the resolution of a domestic violence case before the child can return home.

For your CPS case to wrap up successfully, you need to listen to any CPS or court requirements. All of these requirements must be completed if you want to achieve a successful outcome.

If you are just beginning a CPS case, take a moment to search for a dependency lawyer near you. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights as a parent. The right legal team has years of experience navigating these types of cases, so they can discuss the best-case scenarios for your situation.

Are you dealing with a CPS case right now? Dealing with the juvenile dependency process in California can be tricky, so you need an expert attorney on your side, protecting your parental rights. For more information about how our team can assist with your case, reach out to us today.