If you are accused of abusing or neglecting your child in Camden City, chances are the allegations come as a huge shock. You may feel confused about how to proceed, unsure of what legal rights you have, and concerned about the impact the accusations will have on your family.
Although this is an incredibly emotional and challenging time, it's vital that you stay calm and focus on responding to the accusations swiftly and effectively. And this is why you should contact the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to defend your rights and ensure your side of the story is heard. No matter how serious the accusations are against you, we are on your side, ready and waiting to help you secure a fair outcome. Contact us online or call 888.535.3686 to secure representation from the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team.
The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency
In New Jersey, Child Protection and Permanency is the state agency responsible for protecting the welfare and safety of NJ's children. The agency investigates allegations of possible child abuse or neglect, but it is also committed to preserving the family unit where possible, as this is, often, in the child's best interests.
The Department has considerable powers at its disposal to investigate such allegations, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Seeking medical records
- Interviewing potential witnesses, e.g., teachers and family physicians
- Interviewing the affected child without parental consent
- Entering the family home through court orders
- Removing the child from the home if there are emergency grounds to do so, e.g., the child is in clear imminent danger
That being said, the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) will not hesitate to pursue civil remedies, such as restraining orders, against parents, guardians, or other trusted adults suspected of abusing a child. And in the most complex cases, DCP&P will consider pursuing criminal charges. Given the scope of the Department's authority, anyone suspected of child abuse or neglect in Camden City should immediately contact the Lento Law Firm for advice on their legal rights and support in defending their case.
Camden City DCP&P Reports and Investigations
Every child abuse or neglect investigation begins with contact from the DCP&P. The Camden City DCP&P works from its offices in Cherry Hill. There are four divisions–Central, South, East, and North–and the specific division you will deal with depends upon precisely where you're located in Camden City.
- Child abuse: Emotional, sexual, or physical harm to a minor (under 18) by a parent, trusted caregiver, or someone in a position of trust.
- Child neglect: The failure of a parent or guardian to provide a safe living environment e.g., essentials such as food, clothing, water, or shelter.
If you're concerned about a child's welfare, you are obliged to report your worries to the DCP&P, who will determine whether there is cause to investigate the matter further.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Any individual, no matter who they are, must report suspicions of child abuse or neglect in New Jersey. Otherwise, they face disorderly persons charges, meaning this is a legal requirement. However, certain individuals, such as medical professionals and teachers, are mandatory reporters, meaning they are duty-bound by law to report concerns based on, for example, emotional or physical indicators of neglect.
Camden City DCP&P Investigations
The DCP&P investigation process follows certain steps. Typically, investigations involve interviewing potential witnesses, such as neighbors, family friends, teachers, doctors, and social workers. It's also common for the DCP&P to require access to your home to inspect the child's living environment, and they may seek to access medical records to build a picture of the child's overall health and identify any possible issues of concern.
Understandably, you may find these investigations emotionally draining and overwhelming. The DCP&P understands this, and they will, if possible, allow the child to remain in the home to provide stability and certainty. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will also help to ensure the investigation is completed as quickly as possible to allow you and your child to move forward.
It's common for the DCP&P to be open to resolving the matter informally, especially if there are only limited areas of concern. This will often involve staying in touch with your family and visiting the home to ensure any possible issues have been addressed. In other circumstances, however, the DCP&P may refuse to cooperate, and they'll seek emergency action to remove the child from the home or pursue formal court proceedings to determine how to protect the child's welfare.
The Camden City DCP&P Court Process
If your case proceeds to court, your attorney will guide you through the legal process. However, the main steps you will encounter are as follows.
● Initial Order to Show Cause: The DCP&P must present sufficient evidence to prove that emergency action is justified in the situation.
- The Preliminary Hearing: The judge assesses the initial case to decide if there is cause to investigate the claims further. If the case seems baseless, the allegations are dismissed at this stage.
- Fact-Finding Hearing: The judge considers evidence presented by both sides to determine the facts and whether there's clear evidence of abuse or neglect.
- Dispositional Hearing: The main purpose of this stage is to decide whether the child can return home or if they should be placed in alternative care.
- Review Hearing: If there's an order for the defendant to complete counseling or a rehab program, review hearings take place to determine if the defendant has met their obligations.
- Permanency Hearing: The court makes a final determination for how to permanently protect the child. The judge will consider the defendant's proposals, should they present any before the court.
Let the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team Help
Child abuse and neglect accusations can leave individuals feeling confused, anxious, and concerned about what the future holds. If you're accused of child abuse in Camden City, it's completely understandable if you're worried about how you will sustain a relationship with your children, and if you're stressed about the long-term impact of these allegations on your life. But this is where the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team can help.
At the Lento Law Firm, our compassionate and experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of how the DCP&P process works. We will use our knowledge to your advantage, helping you respond quickly and effectively to these accusations and allowing you to have confidence in your defense strategy. We will guide you through this complex process, ensure you understand your rights and options, and fight to secure the fairest possible outcome in your case.
You are not alone when facing child neglect or abuse accusations. Let the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team stand with you and help you through this challenging and overwhelming time. Call now on 888.535.3686 or tell us about your case online to secure the representation you need and deserve.
