Parenthood can be the most stressful and rewarding job of your life. No matter how hard you work to be a good parent and set your child up for success, you won't get it right 100% of the time. So many things are out of your control, and everyone makes mistakes when parenting. At the Lento Law Firm, we know that things happen even when you're trying your best. If you've been accused of abusing your child or you suspect your child is being abused, we know there is more to the story.
The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) will also be trying to understand these allegations of abuse. Their role is to protect children in Woodbridge Township and throughout the state. DCP&P zealously works to protect Woodbridge Township children and won't begin their investigation going easy on an alleged abuser or giving you the benefit of the doubt.
Even when the allegations against you are baseless, whether a miscommunication or the result of retaliation, you can't assume that working to resolve the situation with DCP&P will resolve the situation in your favor. We know you want this whole ordeal over quickly and with as little fanfare as possible, but you can't fight these allegations alone. The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is in your corner. We are here to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.
What Does the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency Do?
New Jersey DCP&P investigates all cases of child abuse and neglect reported in Woodbridge Township. They are the first line of defense for children and have the authority to remove any child they perceive to be in imminent danger from their home. DCP&P has strong relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement who will be building a case of child abuse or neglect against you. They can be called to provide inside in all types of legal situations, from restraining order hearings to custody hearings and criminal cases.
DCP&P doesn't just support law enforcement and prosecutors. In fact, its more prominent role is working to keep Woodbridge families together, even in light of abuse allegations. The agency should work with Woodbridge families to connect them with resources to ensure the child is safe in the future and prevent any further abuse or neglect.
DCP&P Cases and Reporting in Woodbridge Township
DCP&P has offices all over the state. The three Middlesex County DCP&P offices serve Woodbridge Township, located in Perth Amboy, Edison, and Piscataway. This is the office you will be hearing from and working with if you have been accused of child abuse. The moment you are accused of child abuse, it's time to contact the Lento Law Firm. You want to be prepared to properly respond to DCP&P officials when contacted, so nothing you say causes more problems.
You need an attorney even if you aren't the one accused of abuse. If you suspect your child is being abused at the hands of another, you need to report the matter even if you're tempted to handle the matter on your own so as not to draw unwanted attention to your family. Having an attorney when you report is important for a few reasons. When you report your suspicions, they could very well consider you the abuser and investigate you. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will protect your rights and that DCP&P's investigation is on track to get the full and accurate picture of the abuse.
How to DCP&P Investigations Start in Woodbridge Township?
When Woodbridge DCP&P receives a report, it will take action immediately. If a child is in immediate danger, they may petition the court to have the child removed from the home temporarily. DCP&P will conduct a thorough investigation to be completed within 60 days. When the investigation is over, DCP&P will send you a letter with their findings. When child abuse is substantiated, a few things can happen. DCP&P, law enforcement, and prosecutors take legal action. DCP&P may also or alternatively connect families with resources to manage the situation outside the court system. This can include parenting courses, counseling, and more.
Woodbridge Township DCP&P Court Process
If DCP&P recommends legal action, the process will generally follow this trajectory:
Order to Show Cause
DCP&P must provide evidence to support the legal action. This is often done using affidavits from the child, witnesses, or other knowledgeable parties such as doctors, teachers, or family members.
Preliminary Hearing
This evidence will be presented to the Middlesex County Family Court, where a judge will decide whether the case should proceed.
Fact-Finding Hearing
DCP&P and the accused will have the opportunity to present their evidence and defenses in detail to the court.
Disposition Hearing
After the fact-finding hearing, the judge will decide if the child abuse allegations are substantiated. If the court determines abuse or neglect has occurred, the disposition hearing will be the time when all parties meet with the judge and discuss how to move forward. For example, will the child remain in the home, or whether the abuser will need to participate in a court-ordered treatment program or education program?
Review Hearings
If you're the person who has been found guilty of child abuse, you will attend review hearings. These are follow-ups with the court to ensure you are complying with court orders.
Permanency Hearing
Ideally, DCP&P cases are closed quickly, but that isn't always the case. If a DCP&P Legal action goes on for over a year, the court will hold a permanency hearing. This hearing will outline the long-term and permanent plan to best protect the child.
Retain a Lento Law Firm DCP&P Attorney Today
Whether your child is being abused or you are being accused of child abuse, you need to handle the situation carefully to protect your child and yourself. Most likely, you never imagined you would be in this situation, and you don't know what to do or where to turn. But the Lento Law Firm is here to help. Our Family Law Team is well-versed in Woodbridge DCP&P proceedings and will help you navigate the process. Get started with us today by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
