When Child Protective Services steps in and opens a case against a parent in San Bernardino County, things often move quickly and can feel confusing or overwhelming. Most parents have never heard of juvenile dependency court until they’re suddenly expected to appear in one. If you’re in this situation, knowing what to expect and how the system works can make all the difference.
Juvenile dependency court handles cases involving allegations of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.The goal of the court is to ensure children are safe, while also giving parents the chance to fix whatever issues brought CPS into their lives. The court process is very different from criminal court, and the rules, timelines, and decisions can have lasting impacts on your family.
The first hearing you may encounter is the detention hearing. This usually happens within a few days after your child is removed from your care. The judge decides whether your child will stay in foster care or be returned to you while the case continues. Many parents feel blindsided at this stage because the court may rely heavily on the social worker’s report. This is why having an experienced CPS defense lawyer is so important. Your attorney can challenge the report, present evidence, and fight for your child to come home.
After the detention hearing, there are several more hearings that could take place. One of the most important is the jurisdictional hearing. This is where the court determines whether the allegations against you are true. If the court finds them true, the case moves to the disposition phase, where the judge decides what happens next. You might be given a reunification plan which could include parenting classes, drug treatment, counseling, or supervised visits.
The court will also schedule regular review hearings to check on your progress. If you follow the reunification plan and demonstrate progress, the court may return your child to you. However, if the court finds that the situation has not improved or that the child is still at risk, the case may move toward termination of parental rights.
Throughout the case, you will work with or hear from social workers, attorneys, CASA volunteers, and possibly even the child’s own court-appointed lawyer. Each party has a specific role, but your CPS defense attorney is the one focused solely on protecting your rights and helping you navigate this system.
Juvenile dependency court cases can last months or even over a year. Many parents don’t realize that time matters. The court is required to make permanent decisions about your child’s future within certain deadlines. That means if you do not act fast or follow the court’s orders, you could lose your parental rights permanently.
It’s also important to know that even if your child was removed based on a mistake or false accusation, you still need to take the process seriously. The court looks at progress and compliance, not just innocence. In other words, showing the court that you are willing and able to safely parent your child is more important than simply denying the allegations.
Navigating juvenile dependency court in San Bernardino is not something you should try to do alone. A skilled attorney who understands the local court system, the judges, and the CPS process can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
If CPS has opened a case against you or removed your child, contact a CPS defense lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your chances of protecting your parental rights and bringing your family back together.