“Just make them go away!”
This is the command I receive from many families enduring the constant prying, testing, and interrogation that goes on in any CPS investigation and here is my reply, “You can’t un-ring the bell.”
Once you and your family have caught the attention of a CPS investigator because of an anonymous report of child abuse or neglect, your cooperation may be necessary to prevent possible court intervention.
The Powerful Reach of CPS and Its Investigations
Simply stated, CPS has tremendous power to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect that include questioning you, your children, teachers, doctors, and other collateral witnesses.
You may be asked to submit to a drug test or be presumed to be positive for drugs if you refuse.
And if you say, “No,” this could complicate things more and CPS, through their attorneys, may seek court orders to force you to cooperate with the investigation.
An Effective Approach To A CPS Investigation
Experienced CPS attorneys in Texas know how not to make a bad situation worse.
Rather than annoying an already suspicious CPS investigator with a lot of heat and bluster, I find the most effective approach is to engage both CPS and my clients in calm discussion.
- First, let’s discuss the facts of the investigation. What are the allegations and are they credible? Are there additional, uncovered facts, or explanations? Once we all understand, and agree upon the facts, we can move forward.
- Next, what services can CPS offer to address identified and agreed upon concerns for safety of the children. Most importantly, how can a family engage in services and heal while living together as an intact family under one roof?
- Finally, our ongoing discussion with CPS must end with this question: What are the objective signs that issues have been addressed and continuing CPS involvement is no longer necessary?
As I say, “Where is the finish line?”
Know When and Where to Draw The Finish Line With CPS
At some point in every CPS case, experienced and skilled CPS Investigation Attorneys and their clients must draw a line in the sand, declaring they are done and will not tolerate further CPS involvement.
Knowing when and where to draw that line so as to keep your family together is more art than science.
Experienced and knowledgeable Child Protective Services claims attorneys can successfully use this approach to keep families together and free from needless intervention.
Schreier & Housewirth Family Law
1329 College Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Worth TX 76104
817-923-9999
Gregory L. Housewirth is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist practicing in Fort Worth Texas. With 30 years of family law experience, Mr. Housewirth has represented hundreds of clients in divorce, custody, CPS, modification, and grandparent cases. In addition, Mr. Housewirth is a qualified family law mediator and a member of Collaborative Law Texas, a practice group dedicated to promoting collaborative divorce in Texas.
