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Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), formerly DYFS, is the State agency authorized to investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect. DCPP also provides for the protection of children or stabilization of the family where necessary. This is accomplished through the services DCPP offers to families directly or through the court, and in some cases with the child(ren) placed outside the home.
Court action is typically commenced by DCPP filing a complaint in court seeking either to take custody of the child(ren) for placement outside the home, or for care and supervision of the child(ren) and the family. N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.33; N.J.S.A. 30:4C-12. Before the Division files a complaint in court, the parents or guardians are notified of the filing date to provide them with notice and opportunity to be heard in court.
DCPP (formerly DYFS) proceedings can be complicated and the psychological aspect can be daunting and overwhelming for parents and guardians alike. You need experienced legal counsel to assist and help you get through these proceedings with minimum pain and cost.
At our firm, personalized service is guaranteed. Don't face this legal battle alone. We can help defend you in a DCPP case and provide the necessary support needed to go through a DCPP litigation without stress. We offer a free, no obligation, half-hour consultation for clients who want to discuss their DCPP case.
ABUSE AND NEGLECT
A proceeding to determine whether a child has been abused or neglected or is in need of services commences with the filing of an order to show cause and complaint in court, alleging facts sufficient to establish that the child has been abused or neglected or is in need of services.
Parents or guardians who are defendants in a DCPP proceeding have a right to counsel in all stages of court proceedings involving DCPP.
DCPP proceedings can be complicated and you need experienced legal counsel to assist and help you get through these proceedings with minimum pain and cost.
At our firm, we can help defend you in a DCPP case and provide the necessary support needed to go through a DCPP litigation without stress.
Call us today at (201) 703-0235 or go to contact and email us.
FACT FINDING
The Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part has jurisdiction over all non-criminal proceedings involving alleged cases of child abuse and neglect. After the filing of the complaint, the court must hold a fact finding hearing to determine if a child has been abused or neglected.
In a fact finding hearing, any determination that a child was abused or neglected or in need of services must be based on preponderance of the evidence; and only competent, material, and relevant evidence is admissible. The court dismisses the complaint if facts sufficient to sustain the complaint are not established or the court's assistance is not required.
At our firm, we can defend you in a fact finding hearing and provide you the support needed to go through a DCPP litigation without stress.
Call us today at (201) 703-0235 or go to contact and email us.
TERMINATION OF
PARENTAL RIGHTS
DCPP must present a permanency plan to the court no later than 30 days after placement in cases where the court determined that reasonable efforts to reunify the child with the parent or guardian are not required; or no later than 12 months after placement in cases where the court determined that reasonable efforts to reunify the child with the parent or guardian are required.
DCPP permanency plans are either Termination of parental rights (TPR) or Kingship Legal Guardianship (KLG) if reunification with parents is not feasible. DCPP files an amended complaint for KLG, but files a guardianship complaint for TPR.
At our firm, we can defend you in a KLG or TPR trial and provide you the support needed to go through a DCPP litigation without stress and at minimum cost.
Call us today at (201) 703-0235 or go to contact and email us.