Houston Child Protective Services Cases
Foster Care and Your Rights
Fostering a child is one of the most caring and selfless acts in which an individual or family can engage. Unfortunately, it can happen that Child Protective Services (CPS), also recognized as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, acts in such a way as to cause unnecessary hardship and distress to foster families. Additionally, biological parents and grandparents can have their children taken into foster care without due cause, ruining numerous lives with this unacceptable injustice.
What Should I Do if Threatened by CPS?
If you feel you are threatened with either of these situations as a parent or grandparent, contact a Houston protective services attorney immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of resolving the matter successfully and without harm to your family. If you have been falsely accused of child abuse or child neglect and are facing investigation or a court date, or are otherwise at risk of losing your children, it is imperative you know your rights.
Some basic actions to keep in mind are:
- Keep a precise record of all contact you have with CPS.
- Say as little as possible. Statements made can be misconstrued or manipulated and used against you so seek the advice of your attorney before communicating with CPS.
- For the same reason, do not allow private interviews with your child.
- Don’t invite CPS agents inside your home.
- Don’t agree to any deals involving such actions as psychological testing, therapy or drug testing
Get Children Back from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Even what seems like a light inquiry by CPS regarding the care of your children can be a very dangerous proposition. In order to avoid the risk of having your family torn apart, it is crucial you seek legal advice immediately. Slate & Associates, Attorneys at Law is dedicated to defending the rights of parents and has been listed as Top Family Lawyers in Houston by H Magazine.
Contact a Houston child protective services attorney right away if your rights as a foster parent are being threatened or you are at risk of losing your children to foster care.