As a parent, you do everything you can to ensure your child grows up in a safe, loving environment. That's why accusations of child abuse or neglect can hurt so much. Whether the accusation comes from a former partner, a relative, a teacher at your child's school, or someone else, it's important to take action immediately to protect your family.
For Trenton, New Jersey, residents accused of child abuse or neglect, the right legal team can make a big difference. The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team can help you navigate the process and fight for your rights. Give our team a call at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential contact form, and we'll be in touch.
The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency
In Trenton, New Jersey, reports of child abuse and neglect go through the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). The division's goal is to protect the state's children, ensuring each child is raised in a safe, supportive environment.
Although the division makes every effort to get to the facts of each case, the division does not have to follow the same procedures as criminal investigations. This isn't limited to New Jersey's processes. In their efforts to protect children, states sometimes penalize innocent families based on erroneous reports. Our team works hard to help parents protect their rights and battle these charges to keep their families intact.
DCP&P Reports in Trenton
As the capital of New Jersey, Trenton has robust child safety measures in place. The city has two local DCP&P offices:
- Mercer North Local Office
3131 Princeton Pike
Building 6, Suite 112
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
609-512-3131 800-392-2735 - Mercer South Local Office
120 S. Stockton St., 2nd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-5100 800-392-2721
If you live in the Trenton area, one of these two DCP&P offices will likely process any incoming complaints against you. Trenton's DCP&P offices investigate two major types of allegations:
- Child abuse: This category covers reports of physical and mental harm inflicted by a parent, guardian, or caretaker, including sexual abuse.
- Child neglect: In these cases, a parent or guardian fails to provide necessary care for a child, including food, shelter, medical treatment, education, and supervision.
Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect in Trenton
Under New Jersey law, anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect must report it. Those reporting abuse can request anonymity. The state provides a hotline for reporting abuse and that phone number is 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).
Caseworkers will ask for the following information when taking a child endangerment report:
- The name, age, and address of all alleged abusers and victims, as well as the relationship of the child to the perpetrator.
- Any evidence of abuse that was witnessed, including visible injuries to the child.
- The timeline for any suspected abuse, including when the caller first learned about it.
- The location of all known/suspected abusive incidents.
- Where the child is located now and whether the alleged abuser currently has access to the child.
- The urgency of the matter. Is the child in imminent danger?
DCP&P Investigations in Trenton
Following a report of abuse, DCP&P launches an investigation. If the child appears to be in immediate danger, that investigation will kick off within 24 hours of the report. Otherwise, it will be assigned to a team member, who will begin researching. This may include:
- Speaking to the parents
- Speaking to other members of the household
- Seeing every child who resides in that household, including the alleged victim
- Speaking to the child's schoolteacher and/or school counselor
- Speaking to the child's pediatrician
- Speaking to others who may have relevant information
During the investigation process, you can request that the investigator talk to others who might vouch for your innocence. It's important to understand your right to ask why DCP&P is involved with your family, as well as your right to request dispute resolution if you aren't satisfied with any decisions made by DCP&P.
DCP&P Investigation Timelines
If a DCP&P investigation is underway, you may wonder just how long it will take. The division has 60 days to complete its investigation. At the end of the investigation, investigators submit a report outlining their findings, classifying the allegations in one of four ways:
- Unfounded: The investigator found no evidence of abuse or neglect.
- Not established: Although there is no preponderance of evidence, some evidence exists that abuse may have occurred.
- Established: Although the abuse claims were substantiated, the investigator found aggravating and mitigating factors.
- Substantiated: A preponderance of the evidence shows that abuse or neglect occurred.
The Trenton DCP&P Court Process
If the investigator substantiates the claims, your case will be referred to the Mercer County Family Court in Trenton. Here's what you can expect if your case gets to this point:
- Order to show cause: The investigator will file paperwork outlining the allegations against you.
- Preliminary hearing: At this hearing, the judge will review the charges and determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed.
- Fact-finding hearing: The DCP&P presents evidence at this hearing, and you're allowed to present your own. The court will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to take action.
- Dispositional hearing: If the court finds that abuse or neglect has occurred, this hearing will decide what action should be taken.
- Review hearing: In some cases, the court will order you to participate in ongoing services, and the DCP&P will need to monitor your progress. Regular hearings will ensure you're progressing as planned.
- Permanency hearing: For cases that remain open more than 12 months, the court will hold a hearing to set long-term plans for your child's placement.
The Lento Law Firm Team
Hearing from DCP&P is always a scary experience, especially if someone has leveled accusations your way. You may feel isolated, confused, and frustrated as you try to state your case. However, the right legal team can help you not only navigate the process but also understand your rights.
If you're dealing with a DCP&P accusation in Trenton, New Jersey, our team can help. Whether you need advice, help preparing for a court hearing, assistance with appeals, or other legal aid, we're here for you. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential contact form to get in touch.
