Our Hudson County DCP&P attorneys are adept at handling cases with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), which was previously known as the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). This is the organization responsible for investigating into the welfare of children at risk for all forms of abuse and/or neglect in Hudson County. DCP&P has the power to remove children from their homes and can even go so far as to terminate parental rights. Therefore, finding yourself in the midst of a DCP&P investigation is quite frightening. Having one of our experienced Hudson County DCP&P lawyers is critical to helping you navigate these unknown waters. Our experienced Hudson County DCP&P lawyers know how to handle these cases with both the knowledge and compassion required to succeed, and are always ready and available for you.
While there are extreme cases of abuse that occur in some homes, in many instances investigations can be triggered by a minor, singular occurrence, or worse, by false allegations from a disgruntled former spouse or third party. So it is important to have the right DCP&P attorney to fight on your behalf.
When DCP&P gets involved with your family’s life, it that can lead to a long, drawn out process in the courts. We, at the Aretsky Law Group, understand how emotionally draining this can be. Our Hudson County DCP&P lawyers recognize the sensitive nature of such allegations and are adept at taking the matter in the right direction. The Hudson 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 Hudson County DCP&P lawyers at the Aretsky Law Group, PC, are ready to protect not just your rights, but your family and reputation as well.
DCP&P INVESTIGATIONSThere 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. 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. You do not have to cooperate initially with the investigator or agree to any kind of requested testing. By contacting one of our Hudson County DCP&P attorneys at this stage, they can guide you as to what to do next once 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. Even if your child is not removed, and DCP&P does not find any evidence of neglect or abuse, the caseworkers may decide that you need further services such as a case plan or safety plan. DCP&P can also go to court at any time and request a new order of investigation. For these reasons, it is important to get attorneys on board who can assist you with the difficulties faced when dealing with the DCP&P’s inquiries.
DCP&P LOCAL OFFICES IN HUDSON COUNTYThe Hudson County DCP&P has two offices:
1. Hudson Central Local Office
438 Summit Avenue, 4th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306
201-795-0423
2. Hudson North Local Office
Gateway Plaza 4th Floor
1 Harmon Meadow Blvd.
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201-590-6700
3. Hudson South Local Office
690 Broadway, 4th Floor
Bayonne, NJ 07002
201-823-5500
4. Hudson West Local Office
Gateway Plaza 5th Floor
1 Harmon Meadow Blvd
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201-590-6400
Finding yourself the target of a DCP&P investigation is quite stressful. Having compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys is crucial to successfully navigate the process. Let your first step be hiring one of our experienced Hudson County DCP&P lawyers to take you through the process as painlessly as possible. Contact us today at 201-580-3411 to schedule your free consultation and start protecting your rights.