CPS/DHS FAQ
A compilation of Facts, as well as Answers to commonly asked Questions about CPS, specifically geared towards the parents who are new to CPS.
Top Tips for Parents Who Just Had Children Taken by CPS:
CPS just took my child, what do I do?
- Remain Calm: It is very important that you remain calm in order to have the best possible chances of getting your children back as fast as possible. You are about to endure a journey.
- Call an Attorney: No matter what, you should always call an attorney for legal aid. It is always be smart to consult with an expert, every time.
- Be Specific: Speak to the investigators and be specific with all the details about all relevant information.
- Record Everything: Record all your phone calls & meetings. We highly recommend this. One of our team members has used phone call recordings in court to disproves CPS lies. Record the calls and video the meetings. Voice recording Apps work great too, and the audio files take up less room on your phone.
- Stay Organized: Be sure to note down all the investigator contact information, notes, journal entries, and all other details organized.
- Forms: Be ready to fill out forms. CPS investigators are required to provide documentation in which should have the proper paperwork to complete in order to get your children back.
- Be On Time: If CPS takes your child, there will most likely be court proceedings, do not miss that date, and be on time to all other dates and meetings. Stay organized.
How do I find a good lawyer?
Finding a good attorney is important. Our volunteer staff members have experienced both good and bad legal support.
It is crucial that you select the best lawyer to win your case by starting with your type of case, timeline, and making sure you have all the details ready for an attorney to review.
The more “leg work” you can do yourself by staying organized with all of the important details, dates, and times, the less legal fees will be incurred for no reason.
Plus, you have to do it anyway if you want your attorney to understand your case in order to win the day for you.
Record All CPS/DHS Phone Calls & Meetings
Record all your phone calls & meetings. We highly recommend this. One of our team members has used phone call recordings in court to disproves CPS lies. Record the calls and video the meetings. Voice recording Apps work great too, and the audio files take up less room on your phone.
How to Stay Organized
This is extremely important. Be sure to note down all the investigator contact information, notes, journal entries, and all other details organized.
- Incident Log/Journal
- Photo & Video Evidence
- Phone Call Recordings
- Emails
- Paperwork
- Caseworker Contact Information
- Attorney Contact Information
It also smart to immediately upload all image evidence to a Google Drive folder in the cloud so you can instantly share it with an attorney if needed.
Do Not Miss Appointments
Do not miss appointments and be on time. If CPS takes your child, there will most likely be court proceedings, do not miss that date, and be on time to all other dates and meetings. Stay organized.
