Bergen County DCP&P Lawyer

The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), which was previously known as the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), investigates into the welfare of children at risk for all forms of abuse and/or neglect. Finding yourself in the midst of one of these DCP&P investigations is quite frightening and stressful. Having an experienced DCP&P defense lawyer is critical to helping you navigate these unknown waters. Our experienced Bergen County DCP&P lawyers know how to handle these cases with both the knowledge and compassion required to succeed. With Bergen County DCP&P offices being located in close proximity to our offices, our Bergen County DCP&P attorneys are always ready and available to protect you.

When DCP&P gets involved with your family’s life, sometimes you can find yourself caught in a web of false allegations that can lead to a long, drawn out process in the courts. Our Bergen County DCP&P lawyers recognize the sensitive nature of such allegations and are adept at taking the matter in the right direction. The Bergen County defense attorneys at our firm will be your advocates, making sure that DCP&P is not infringing too far into your lives. If you find yourself in these circumstances, it is imperative to recognize and remember that regardless of the nature and legitimacy of any allegations made against you, you have the right to defend yourself, and that’s where our attorneys come in. The Bergen County DCP&P lawyers at the Aretsky Law Group, PC, are ready to protect your rights, family and reputation.

There are many matters that fall under the responsibility of the DCP&P, including but not limited to investigations, removing children from the home, and even filing complaints against you in the family court system. Typically, DCP&P affairs start when someone files a report of child abuse or neglect against you to them. At that point, DCP&P will send a case worker to your home to investigate the claim. DCP&P investigators do not have to inform you of when they plan to show up at your home, and they are allowed to go in to your home to talk to you and your family. However, it is at this point when your rights come into play. By contacting one of our Bergen County DCP&P attorneys at this stage, they can guide you as to what comes next after the investigation has been opened.

During an investigation, DCP&P caseworkers can choose to interview not just your child, but teachers, pediatricians, counselors or anyone else that might be able to offer information related to the report. Then they will make a determination as to whether it is in the best interests of the child to remove him/her from the home. If a removal is warranted, DCP&P must get a court order to enforce the removal and you must attend a hearing in court.