New Jersey DCPP Attorneys

When Do I Need to Speak to a DCPP Lawyer?

DCPP operates with vast resources, trained investigators, and a mandate that prioritizes child safety over parental privacy. Facing this bureaucracy without legal counsel can expose you to severe consequences. A caseworker may ask you to sign a "Safety Protection Plan" that restricts your access to your own home, or they may twist a harmless comment into an admission of guilt during an interview. For concerned relatives, attempting to navigate the system alone often leads to frustration as calls go unanswered and children remain in potentially dangerous environments. 

We encourage you to reach out to our team at Foster & Burke immediately in any of the following scenarios:

• A DCPP caseworker contacts you or visits your home. Never speak to a caseworker or allow them entry into your home without first consulting an attorney. We can advise you on what questions to answer and how to protect your family’s privacy while remaining compliant with the law.
• You receive a "Dodd" removal notice or an “Order to Show Cause.” If the Division removes your child on an emergency basis, the court will schedule a hearing within days. We can prepare an aggressive defense for this initial hearing to challenge the removal and fight for your child's immediate return.
• A caseworker asks you to sign a Safety Protection Plan. These plans often contain restrictive terms that force a parent to leave the home or limit their contact with their children. We can review these documents before you sign to prevent you from unknowingly waiving your parental rights.
• You receive a letter stating a finding of "Substantiated" or "Established." These findings place your name on New Jersey’s Child Abuse Registry (CARI). We can file administrative appeals to challenge these findings and clear your name.
• You believe a child in your family is in immediate danger. If you have reported abuse but feel the DCPP failed to act, we can help concerned relatives petition the court for custody or guardianship. We can work to force the system to take your concerns seriously.
• You wish to become a resource parent for a relative's child. When the state removes a child from a relative's home, the DCPP prefers to place them with family, but the vetting process is rigorous. We can guide aunts, uncles, and grandparents through the licensing process to keep children within the family unit.

We recognize what is at stake when you are the subject of a DCPP investigation or you have legitimate concerns about the welfare of a child. Call (973) 381-2720 or contact us online to get straightforward legal advice today.