Family is everything, and anything that threatens your family's future is something you need to take seriously. As a parent in Warren County, allegations of child abuse or neglect are near the top of the list of risks that can change your family forever. The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) has broad authority to investigate child abuse allegations. If you are in their crosshairs, you need legal representation that will fight to protect your rights and future.
The experienced Family Law Team at the Lento Law Firm should be your first call after learning that DCP&P is investigating you for abuse or neglect in Warren County. Call us at 888-535-3686 or submit your details through our website to discuss your situation and get the help you need.
The New Jersey Division of Child Protection & Permanency
New Jersey DCP&P is responsible for protecting children across the state from neglect and abuse. When a credible report is filed, DCP&P can act quickly to remove children from potentially harmful situations, sometimes without warning, which is often stressful and jarring for those falsely accused in Warren County.
The job of DCP&P is much broader than just the removal of children from harmful homes. In most cases, DCP&P will follow up on a report by conducting investigations and gathering evidence against potential abusers to use in future proceedings. At the end of these investigations, DCP&P will then determine whether the investigation found solid evidence of abuse or neglect.
DCP&P can use evidence gathered in investigations to seek a restraining order, which can result in a child's removal from the household. If the situation is severe enough to warrant criminal charges, DCP&P can also involve local law enforcement. DCP&P has many options available and will take whatever action it believes will protect a child from further harm.
DCP&P Cases and Reporting in Warren County
Warren County is served by the DCP&P office located at 415 East Washington Avenue in Washington, NJ. This office handles investigations and cases when allegations of child abuse or neglect are reported within the county.
Across the state, including Warren County, DCP&P investigates two primary types of cases:
- Child Neglect: Allegations against parents or legal guardians involving a failure to meet their child's basic needs, such as by failing to provide appropriate shelter, food, clothing, medical care, education, or overall protection.
- Child Abuse: Cases where a minor child is alleged to have been harmed physically, emotionally, or sexually by a parent or guardian.
While New Jersey residents are not required to report all forms of criminal activity they come across, child safety concerns are different. Failing to report any suspicions of child abuse or neglect can result in a disorderly person's offense. If you need to report someone, or if a disgruntled ex or family member has reported you, the Family Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is ready to protect your rights and assist you through this stressful process.
How Do DCP&P Investigations Start in Warren County?
Investigations quickly begin when DCP&P receives a report through a local or statewide reporting hotline. If a credible report is made about you and sent to Warren County's local office, it will send caseworkers to the home to gather information and speak with you, the children, and any other household members. Although you have the right to deny them entry, be aware that caseworkers can obtain a court order to gain access if necessary.
The investigation doesn't conclude with interviews at your home. DCP&P will reach out to other individuals who may know your child, such as teachers, doctors, and neighbors, to piece together a complete picture. Investigations are often thorough and stressful, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, with a mandatory conclusion within 60 days. Once the investigation is complete, you'll receive a letter outlining the findings. If the evidence supports the allegations, DCP&P may take further action by recommending criminal charges or seeking a restraining order.
Anyone who makes a DCP&P report can remain anonymous throughout the entire process. If you provide contact information when making a report, DCP&P may reach out, but they will not disclose your information to the accused. Similarly, if someone makes a report against you, you are not entitled to learn where the report originated.
Warren County DCP&P Court Process
When DCP&P proceeds with court action in Warren County, you can expect the following stages of the court process:
- Order to Show Cause Hearing: DCP&P will request the court to make immediate decisions regarding the child's living arrangements, custody, and visitation. It's not a final determination of whether neglect or abuse occurred. Rather, it assesses whether DCP&P's emergency actions were justified.
- Preliminary Hearing: At a preliminary hearing, DCP&P will present further evidence gathered during its investigation and allow the court to review these findings to decide on the next steps.
- Fact-Finding: DCP&P must prove that the parent committed an act of child abuse or neglect. Both sides can present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine each other's testimonies. The court's ruling at this trial will determine whether the child was indeed abused or neglected.
- Dispositional Hearing: If the court concludes that abuse or neglect occurred, this hearing determines what happens to the child. Possible outcomes include reunifying the family with conditions or pursuing alternative living arrangements for the child. The court might order evaluations, parenting classes, counseling, or substance abuse treatment to address the underlying issues.
- Compliance Reviews: These reviews, typically scheduled every two to three months, assess whether the child can safely return to the parent's custody and check that parents attend court-mandated services.
- Permanency Hearing: Permanency hearings occur if the child is still in out-of-home placement after one year. The court evaluates whether the child can return home soon or if a permanent plan, such as kinship legal guardianship or adoption, is in the child's best interests.
While there are always risks of DCP&P cases leading to court proceedings, it doesn't have to end that way. The Lento Law Firm understands how DCP&P investigations and court proceedings operate, and our Family Law Team can start protecting your family from day one. If rulings don't go your way, we can also help you appeal your case's decision and fight for a better outcome.
Call the Lento Law Firm for Help in Warren County
Facing allegations that could disrupt the close relationship you have with your child is one of the most challenging experiences a parent can endure. The Lento Law Firm understands the immense stress you are under, and we are vigorous in our defense of clients on the receiving end of false or unfair accusations of abuse. If you are under investigation by Warren County DCP&P, our Family Law Team is here to help.
Reaching out to the Lento Law Firm as early as possible can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome for your DCP&P case in Warren County. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our confidential online form to get started.
