How to Get Your Kids Back From CPS

Child Protective Services, or CPS, is a governmental organization that investigates reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. It works with police officers to remove children from homes where it appears kids are at imminent risk of being harmed. Getting kids back is often a challenging task full of red tape. Parents who want to get their children back must complete a legal process that includes demonstrating that their household is fit for the kids to live in.

Things You'll Need

• Cooperation
• Persiverance
• Patience
• Self Control

Instructions

1. Hire your own attorney if you can afford one; if not, request that the juvenile or family court overseeing your case appoint a lawyer. The attorney acts as a parent's official representative before the court; he explains any complex legal terminology and maneuvering that might be difficult to understand. Speak your attorney before any hearings and explain the situation that led to your kids' removal. Work with him to devise the best strategy for representing you.

2. Be present at all hearings in the case, or as many as possible. Appearing at court hearings along with your lawyer lets the judge know that you care about what happens to your children; it shows that you're taking the matter seriously. If you cannot make it to one or more hearings, write a statement to the court explaining why. Ask your attorney to read it in court.

3. Obey any orders issued by the juvenile or family court. Court orders generally contain a case plan and requirements for parents, such as seeking professional treatment for alcohol abuse or anger management counseling. Even if you don't think the requirements are necessary, follow the court's orders, or the court will be less likely to allow you to regain legal custody of your children.

4. Make the home environment safer for the child. Correct problems with the home's living conditions that may have led to the children being taken away. Report the correction of those problems to the court. Depending on the circumstances, corrective measures could mean any number of things, including ensuring that the home is clean and tidy; the removal of dangerous objects like guns and other lethal weapons; or even having another resident move out of the home.

5. Seek help with any other issues you and your attorney feel may hinder your custody quest, such as finding reliable child care, obtaining better clothing for the children, taking parenting classes or receiving counseling. This may require going above and beyond any orders issued by the court.

Tips & Warnings

• Do what the Social Worker tells you to do

• Don't miss any classes or counseling appointments

• Don't miss any visits

• Don't miss any court dates

• Don't give up!

• Build a better support system - Pastor, church, co-workers, friends, family

• I watched some relatives lose all rights to their kids. Denial and failure to follow the plan led to a blood relative adopting those sweet kids. I was next in line, as an extended family relative (not a blood relative). They're growing up in a safe and happy home.

• Your experience will vary, depending on the circumstances of your case.

• If the allegations really are false, get a lawyer!

• Denial can be fatal to your family. Get help!

References

• Washington Social Services: Parent's Guide to CPS