If you are facing a CPS (Child Protective Services) investigation or juvenile dependency case in Riverside County, San Diego County, or Orange County, your parental rights and your family’s future may be at risk. Whether you are dealing with Riverside County DPSS, San Diego County CWS, or Orange County SSA, understanding how these agencies operate is essential. Below are five crucial things to know if you are searching for a CPS defense lawyer or juvenile dependency attorney in these counties.

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1. Each County’s CPS Agency Has a Different Name—And Different Practices

Understanding the agency, you are dealing with is the first step toward mounting an effective defense:

  • Riverside County: Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
  • San Diego County: Child Welfare Services (CWS)
  • Orange County: Social Services Agency (SSA)

While all agencies operate under California Welfare and Institutions Code § 300, each has its own internal policies, social workers, and court culture. Hiring a local juvenile dependency lawyer in Riverside County, San Diego County, or Orange County—one who regularly appears in those juvenile dependency courts—is critical.

2. CPS Can Remove Your Child Without a Warrant in Emergencies

Under Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 306, social workers may remove a child from your home without a court order if they believe the child is in immediate danger. Emergency removals often happen with little or no notice.

You have the right to a detention hearing within 72 hours of removal, excluding weekends and holidays. If you have been served with a Notice of Detention or your child has already been removed, you should immediately contact a CPS defense attorney in San Diego County, Riverside County, or Orange County to begin building your defense.

3. The Initial Petition Hearing Is Only the Beginning

After removal, the County will file a petition under Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 300. The court process involves multiple stages:

  • Detention Hearing
  • Jurisdiction Hearing
  • Disposition Hearing
  • Review Hearings (6-month, 12-month, 18-month)
  • Permanency Hearings (including Termination of Parental Rights, if applicable)

At each stage, your legal rights and options change. Having a juvenile dependency lawyer in Orange County, San Diego County, or Riverside County who understands the local judges and procedures can make the difference between family reunification and termination of parental rights.

4. Family Reunification Services Are Time-Limited

Most parents are offered reunification services—but time is limited. Under Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 361.5, the court generally gives parents:

  • 6 months if the child is under 3 years old at removal
  • 12 months if the child is over 3 years old

Reunification services can include parenting classes, drug testing, therapy, and visitation. Your compliance is monitored and heavily weighted in future hearings. A CPS defense lawyer in San Diego CA, Riverside CA, or Santa Ana CA can help advocate for a fair and appropriate service plan and hold the agency accountable if services are not provided.

5. You May Have Additional Legal Options, Including Appeals or De Facto Parent Status

If your parental rights are threatened or have already been terminated, you may still have legal remedies. These may include:

  • Appealing a dependency court ruling
  • Seeking placement with relatives or non-relative extended family members (NREFMs)
  • Requesting De Facto Parent status if you are a caregiver
  • Applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) in appropriate cases

Consulting with a juvenile dependency attorney in Chula Vista CA, Murrieta CA, or Irvine CA can help you evaluate your options and determine the best course of action.

Takeaway

Whether you are facing allegations of child abuse, neglect, substance use, or domestic violence, Child Protective Services cases move fast—and your parental rights may be at risk. Retaining a local CPS defense lawyer in Riverside County, San Diego County, or Orange County who is experienced in dependency law can help you protect your family and navigate a system that is often confusing and intimidating.

For a confidential consultation with a CPS defense attorney in San Diego CA, Juvenile Dependency Lawyer in Riverside County, or Child Protective Services attorney in Orange County, contact a local legal advocate immediately.