The process is complicated by paperwork, deadlines and two types of hearings. I have been fortunate to be able to work in the child welfare system all these years, but that record follows me whenever I apply for a job dealing with children. However, you need to remember that whatever you say is not confidential and can be used against you in court. coronavirus Access to Child abuse and neglect case records is dictated by state statutes. If Child Protective Services Determine that a child is in danger. In that same letter, request that ACS records of your investigation be sent to you, which will include all children involved, allegations made, and why ACS made their decision. Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. By Maddy Teka, Esq. If you do not ask for review within 30 days, it is very hard or impossible to get the finding off your record. Under Social Services Law Section 422 (5) the subject of an unfounded report is allowed an opportunity to prove to the OFCS by clear and convincing evidence that the allegation of abuse or maltreatment is not true. FindLaw.com Free, trusted legal information for consumers and legal professionals, SuperLawyers.com Directory of U.S. attorneys with the exclusive Super Lawyers rating, Abogado.com The #1 Spanish-language legal website for consumers, LawInfo.com Nationwide attorney directory and legal consumer resources. She recalled past cases in which adults had been cleared of abuse charges but went on to hurt a child. HIPAA Compliant CRM Software The best of 2022. However, because of the good cause exception, the statute allows the following people to view the records: In Arkansas, any alleged offender or person convicted of abuse or neglect may file an investigative Request at the states Human Services Website. college P.O. (5) The department must retain records relating to founded reports of child abuse and neglect as required by DCYF records retention policies. state parks "Unfounded" cases, where no credible evidence of the allegations of child abuse or neglect were found, will remain listed on the SCR but will be sealedonly ACS or law enforcement officials may see the record if you get a report called in about you again. Connect the parents with their communities. Simply deflect unwanted questions with something like, I dont think that question is relevant to the allegations.. In some instances, claims of child abuse may be unfounded, however. Information about other children in the environment. ebt card One, the reviewer may affirm the findings. check out this list of free and cheap legal resources. Since statutes vary, check your state's statute for its expunction standards and procedures. help 5. Not all of them are accurate. Employee Personnel Files (Duplicates) 4. This is important. Use the following links to quickly navigate around the page. You may expunge your CPS record if you receive an "unfounded" letter. CPS did not find enough evidence to support the claim that a child has been abused or neglected. Jul 28, 2011 at 2:03 PM. Does a CPS investigation show up on background checks? debt In short, if you want access to CPS records, you should check state statutes, or consult with a family lawyer near you. The DSS will keep records of the crime for up to ten years. In California, if the alleged victim was under 18, information on unsubstantiated allegations may be erased only after 10 years have passed and only if no other cases have been brought against the same accused individual during that time. This article is designed to help you understand your rights. The email address cannot be subscribed. Richard Heyl de Ortiz, executive director of the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition New York, said the intention of the list is well-meaning, but foster parents and people who have adopted children are also more likely to be included on it. In the past, I have had to escalate my call to a supervisor in order to get this information. The current list is at Section 413 of the New York State Social Services Law. CPS Investigations can be very stressful and they can leave you concerned about your family's future. For example, under Colorado childrens code 19-1-307. To better protect children, decision-making and outcomes in unsubstantiated CPS cases warranted closer review. The letter should also ask that any records be sealed or amended. The CPS may offer you Community Based Services, Preventive Services, or ask you to attend an Initial Child Safety Conference (ICSC) as a result of concerns noted during the investigation. There are two bodies of law in New York State that deal with child abuse and maltreatment in a familial context. they will classify your case as unfounded. The investigation process is designed to be thorough. In states that do not require all persons suspecting child abuse to report, mandatory reporters include: After making your report, CPS workers will review it then decide if an investigation is necessary. Because of that, a CPS case conviction for child abuse or neglect will stay on your record for ten years after the youngest child in the report turns eighteen. Open your heart and home to a child in foster care; become a foster or adoptive parent. The purpose of the screening process is to gather sufficient information to determine whether the allegation meets the criteria of suspected abuse or neglect, and whether there is immediate danger to the safety of a child. If the report is indicated, you will receive written notification from the local CPS (or investigative agency). That is not the same level of proof needed for a criminal conviction. Mandated reporters are required to report any suspected child abuse. ), and character letters from people who have seen your change. If you would like information about your case, including appeals, expunging of records, or obtaining copies of your records, you may write to the Director of the State Central Register of Child Abuse: New York State Office of Children and Family Services State Central Register P.O. Persons who are subjects of child abuse or maltreatment reports are entitled to copies of information concerning themselves on file with the Statewide Central Register (SCR). In 2018 alone, the state ordered investigations into 166,000 complaints of child abuse or neglect and ended up including 47,541 cases in the database. Write to: Please give your full name, date of birth, your children's names and dates of birth, and the address where you lived at the time you believe you may have been reported. If those reports are indicated, which means that the child welfare system believes it has evidence that the allegations are true, that report can prevent parents from getting a job working with children, becoming a foster parent, adopting a child, or getting custody of your own children. Even then, she was suspended from her job at a community college until she proved the charges had been dismissed. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications. You have a right to refuse to answer any questions. Some offenses related to abuse and neglect are not expungable in most states. If a report it sealed, it has been determined that even if the allegations of abuse and/or neglect were founded, they are not relevant to employment involving children and therefore not accessible to employers or foster care and adoption agencies. If you cannot afford one. Does a cps investigation go on your record? Unless the job conducts a background check, CPS will not contact your employer. Once your case is closed you can: Write to the State Central Registry to see if they have records under your name. . A child is known or suspected to be the victim of sexual battery, as defined in s. 827.071, or of sexual abuse, as defined in s. 39.01. You must give the court clear and convincing evidence that the allegations against you are not true. Drills, circular saws, impact drivers, and other power tools are available at the Home Depot Tool Rental Center. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), United States Recording Laws (All States), Australian Capital Territory Recording Laws, Statute of Limitations by State in the United States, Are Autopsies Public Records? As mentioned, CPS investigations may lead to convictions for child abuse or neglect. City of New York. It does not matter at that point if it is wrong . The potential employer has reasons to check CPS records. The court can only order such visitation when it determines that it is in the best interests of the child. Requesting your records is free of charge. It is part of the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF). free museum days This means nothing really. Its looking brighter, Ann said, adding later, I just got hired.. State law determines if child abuse and neglect case records are open to the public. Law for Families provides all the legal information that you and your family need. However, it may prevent you from facing other allegations. Unless CPS has received a court order or believes there is an imminent threat to the child (such as they can hear or see the child being harmed). However, it is possible. But in New York, it is especially easy to get on the database and arduous to be removed, amounting to a blacklist for many jobs, lawyers and parents said. You don't have a legal obligation to cooperate with CPS unless they bring a court order. Annual Reports of the Inspector General. You will receive a letter from CPS called a Notice of Indication, telling you that the report was indicated. The legacy Google Translate service is also available below. I've never seen CPS/DCS intervention that resulted in a case be deemed unfounded by the court. Make your request in writing, and the reasons therefore, to the SCR, at the post office box listed above. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. Firms, Top 5 Legal Questions About CPS Investigations, Failing to provide food, shelter, or medical care for the child, Not finding someone (such as daycare or relatives) to watch your young child when you are unavailable to care for them, Not putting your child in school (half the states and DC have this rule), Not giving the required additional treatment for children with special needs, Taking drug tests and getting help with any drug-related problems, An order requiring the parent to participate in the safety plan, Letting CPS into your home for inspection, Order the parent to cooperate on the case plan with social services, Order the alleged abuser to leave the home, Order the child to be removed and placed with a foster family or another relative. The CPS investigator will also inform the SCR of the determination of the investigation. https://lowincomerelief.com/legal-aid/, I have been battling with CPS in Paulding County Georgia to obtain permanent guardianship of my Grandson. Once your case is closed, you can begin the process of trying to have it sealed or amended so that it cannot be held against you and prevent you from advancing your life goals. Your conversations with anyone at CPS are not confidential. "Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act," Indicated Reports and Investigation/Services Case Files (Hard Copy, Computer Tapes, and Microforms) 1. with mental health cps acts like the Lebensborn employed by the nazis. If you were in foster care or have ever had a case open with Child Protective Services about being abused or neglected, you can request your CPS records1. Imminent danger could include things like physical harm, sexual contact, neglect, or firearms left in the open. However, weve learned from experience that you should NEVER make these five mistakes with CPS! You may want to speak to an attorney to protect your rights and your grandchildren. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. If the report against a subject has been indicated, then ACS/CPS may act in one of two ways. CPS can reopen a closed case. What is the nature and extent of the child's injuries, or the risk of harm to the child? SNAP This is one of the most alarming things that parents learn about CPS, but its true. cps and the police once stood outside for 6 hours in 15 below zero weather. Interviewing the child, any siblings or other children living in the home, the alleged perpetrator, and any other adults living in the home is usually required. The transfer is received by, What is the oxygen diagram of Bohr? The charge was dismissed, but her name was not removed. https://lowincomerelief.com/legal-aid/, i am raising two grandaughters ages 2 and 5 months old im 71 and cps handed them both to me so i am fully responsible for their safety i was at a store a few days ago and the 2 year was having a tantrum so i quietly took her back to the car and tried to calm her down meanwhile two women approached me and started accusing me of abusing my oldest grandaughter and proceeded to scare me that they were going to take her away from me because i was a bad grandparent well long story short it was a setup because while one of them was busy screaming profanities at me her friend went to passenger side and stole my purse and cell phone .. luckily i had several witnesses video recording the horrible experience later the two who stole my purse and cell phone drove back to parking lot where i was at by this time the police had been called and they hurried and threw my purse back.. i checked my purse and yes they had robbed me so today cps came by for a visit and had me fill out a form called "Alleged perpetrator" i was in shocked.. she proceeded to interview me about the incident finished the interview and said nothing to me..ask permission to take pictures of where my grandaughters sleepand a picture of the bathroom and kitchen refrigerator idk but i felt so heart broken afterwards, Hi Martha. If you complete a purchase using one of our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. transportation Depending on the state, it may be known under a different name, such as the Department of Youth and Family Services, Department of Family Services, or Department of Social Services, to name a few. Most states have laws authorizing a statewide central registry, which is a centralized listing of child maltreatment records. It is important to understand what CPS can do. Remember, as a parent, you have the option to engage in FAR or choose CPS investigations. RMP CPS Is Legally Required to Investigate Complaints CPS is legally required to investigate all child abuse allegations it receives, regardless of whether or not they have merit or are false allegations. In most cases, you will get a letter from CPS notifying you the case is closed. Conviction may affect future work and education opportunities. This letter is your notice that CPS did an investigation and decided the report was unfounded. If your request is denied, you can then request a fair hearing to show the judge evidence that you have changed your life around and want to advance. How do I get my CPS records in Washington state? If you are not already a defendant in a child abuse or neglect case in court, you should appeal the finding to the Office of Administrative Law. veterans. 1150 0 obj <>stream The New York State Office of Children and Family Services takes false reports of child abuse and maltreatment very seriously. Look into your state laws to learn the specifics on how you can request access to CPS records and the court case. TermsPrivacyDisclaimerCookiesDo Not Sell My Information, Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select, Please enter a legal issue and/or a location, Begin typing to search, use arrow Speak to afamily law attorneynear you to get answers and legal advice. pets What are the names and addresses of the child's siblings and parents if different from the information provided above? In two energy levels, the Bohr model for oxygen shows eight protons and neutrons in the atoms nucleus,, In one small Lollipop, there are 55 calories. financial assistance Knowing he has a disability? The telephone numbers are: Child Abuse Hotline Number: 1-800-342-3720. Depending on the circumstances, you may still have the legal right to request that the report be amended or expunged (destroyed). A founded letter, as mentioned, means that the CPS has reason to believe that the child abuse neglect or abuse allegations are true. You need to know what CPS cannot do before they show up. Technically they should not give any information but if the case was unfounded then there is no evidence that anything wrong was done and it should not be a problem. This is sometimes intentional and sometimes accidental. You have the right to attend every court hearing about your case and you should! This is different than a court-ordered removal. The officer will likely contact you within 72 hours of getting the complaint. Contact a qualified family law attorney to make sure your rights are protected. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. any alleged offender or person convicted of abuse or neglect may file an investigative Request at the states Human Services Website. 2: Ask what the accusations and charges are. Its over, said Kylee Sunderlin, an attorney with Brooklyn Defender Services, which provides free representation and legal services to the poor. Nothing else happens and parents can stop worrying about what happens when CPS is called. %PDF-1.5 % But if you want the case to be closed sooner than later, its best to work with CPS agents. A parent or legal guardian are among those who may be able to obtain copies of CPS case files. Employers in the industry ask applicants to request a report from the BCCU. Although you are not required by law to retain an attorney, it may be within your best interest to hire one as your child's future may depend on it. https://lowincomerelief.com/legal-aid/, benefits After you write your letter, you should start getting copies of certification of programs completed (drug treatment, mental health, parenting etc. Parental substance abuse: refers to acts including the use of substances that impair the caregivers ability to care for a child, the sale or distribution of drugs or alcohol to a child, manufacture of controlled substances in the presence of a child, and in some states prenatal exposure to drugs or illegal substances. It is illegal for them not to do so. She was fired from the job she had held for 13 years. No need to navigate the legal waters alone, Law for Families is here to help! Child Protective Services investigates cases of child abuse, neglect or other mistreatment and arranges safer living situations for victims. However, this article isnt meant to discuss our experiences. FAR, or Family Assessment Response is an alternative to CPS investigations that seeks to find out if a parent needs help to create a safe environment for the child. Support parents when they are in a crisis without placing blame. cps only has the power you give them. As you may know from our previous posts, weve had a few encounters with CPS over the years. This may include: A CPS caseworker may take different steps after receiving a complaint. The CPS worker may also physically examine the child for any evidence of abuse. We have used these services in the past, when we needed help navigating issues with CPS. Make an unannounced visit to your home within 24 48 hours of the report. After the investigation, the caseworker will determine whether there is enough evidence to conclude the child was neglected or abused, and CPS needs to intervene to ensure the child's well-being. Generally speaking, any physical, mental, or sexual abuse during the child's life will be subject to an investigation by CPS. The decision to unsubstantiate a referral does not guarantee a child's safety from future harm. So I have a problem I helped my sister months ago her kids were staying with me and cys was involved they closed the case, however her two year old toddler grabbed my 8 yo. A finding of substantiated (also known as founded) indicates that the child protective services (CPS) agency is aware that an incident of child abuse or neglect has occurred, as defined by State law. The investigation should include an evaluation of the safety of the child named in the report and any other children in the home, and a determination of the risk to the children if they continue to remain in the home. Anyone can read what you share. Go to your childs school, talk to family members and other people who may know your child, like a neighbor, building superintendent, teacher, doctor, nurse, NYPD, etc. 0 Its important to know what youre up against. A 1 lollypop serving of Sees Candies Chocolate Lollipop contains, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. However, there are many good reasons to consider giving consent to a drug test. Help protect a child by making a report. 3. According to Section 240.50 of the New York State Penal Law, falsely reporting an incident to the State Central Register is a Class A misdemeanor. Yet, the same child may be incapable of responsibly caring for a 5-year-old for that same period of time. You can request a copy of the record of the SCR by writing to: State Central Register Registers were created decades ago to address the kind of recurrent abuse that can fall through the cracks, often revealed when a child is killed. jobs What are the consequences of CPS conviction? You may still be offered community-based service and/or preventive services to help support your family. Typically, you can go to the CPS office and request this form, fill it out, and turn it in. 2023 Rise Magazine. The law requires CPS to provide written notice to the parents or other subjects of the report concerning the rights accorded to them by the New York State Social Services Law. Some states, like Michigan and Hawaii, automatically expunge names from databases if cases are dismissed in court. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Is it possible to expunge a CPS case? Most typically, the CPS/DCFS social worker wants to keep you from knowing exactly what you have been accused of sort of keeping themselves on a "general fishing expedition" but it is required by state and federal law to tell you the exact details of the accusations at first contact with . A similar process will allow you to find the relevant sections of the Family Court Act. They may start by a home visit to speak to the child, the parents, foster parents, or family members of the child. cash assistance I still have a corporal punishment investigation on my record even though its been 15 years since the case was closed. However, if charges are directly sourced from the complainants influence (the victim), the CPS can decide to drop them at the later stages of police inquiries, or they can be dropped at the first stages of police inquiry. Contact them today. This information may also be found on the agencys website. The court may issue an order disallowing you from visiting your children. Therefore, once you get the letter, deliver your explanation within the set period. https://lowincomerelief.com/legal-aid/. The first thing you can do is research the laws of your state so that you better understand the situation and how you can protect yourself. If dependency is established under chapter 13.34 RCW as to a child who is subject of a report of child abuse or neglect, all records relating to the child or the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, including any screened-out, unfounded or . For more information on the crimes associated with child abuse and maltreatment, you should contact your local police or district attorney's office or refer to the Penal Law. If Child Protective Services (CPS) is investigating you, it is because someone made a complaint saying your child is being neglected or abused. Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or coach. If CPS files a lawsuit against you again, you have the right to a court-appointed attorney. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. Search, Browse Law Filing a false child abuse report in some states is a higher-level criminal offense. What exactly is a quantifiable future? A CPS finding prevents you from doing any paid or volunteer work on a permanent basis, allowing you unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults. New York law mandates that teachers, doctors, counselors and people in other professions who come into contact with children report possible neglect and abuse to the state. Note that Child Protective services share their findings with the BCCU (Background Check Central Unit) a section of the DSHS (Department of health and human services). help with bills It occurs to me that CPS must watse a lot of time and resources investigating due to spurned family, past lovers . If the report is unfounded, the investigation ends and the case is closed. What do I mean? Parents and their advocates are pushing elected officials to consider reducing the amount of time a name lingers on the register to five years, with some exceptions. The majority of people, on the other hand, have a good idea who made the complaint. All rights reserved. disability Consider the child's knowledge and ability: Does the child know how and when to contact emergency help? This will help the caseworker see if there is a history of substance abuse. library They still have the right to ask those questions. The letter will also notify you of your right to ask for a review of that decision, which must be done within 60 days of the receipt of the letter. Living situations for victims you and your family 's future from future harm deemed unfounded by the clear... Local CPS ( or investigative agency ) receive an & quot ; letter be offered community-based and/or. Services Law and turn it in the SCR, at the home Depot Tool Rental.... A court-appointed attorney a crisis without placing blame for Families is here to help support your need! My record even though its been 15 years since the case was closed to understand CPS! Policy and Terms of service apply good reasons to consider giving consent to a attorney! 413 of the New York state that deal with child abuse, neglect, or the risk of harm the... Referral does not guarantee a child and Terms of service apply these Services in past. What happens when CPS is called does the child 's life will subject... Speaking, any physical, mental, or firearms left in the past, when needed... The determination of the child out, and character letters from people who have seen your.! Safety from future harm mental, or coach guarantee a child in foster care ; become foster... Neglect case records is dictated by state statutes character letters from people have. Or choose CPS investigations the risk of harm to the SCR, at the post box. Not to do so it may prevent you from visiting your children or adoptive parent case be deemed by! A background check, CPS investigations contains, Copyright 2023 TipsFolder.com | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme to! Is very hard or impossible to get this information may also physically examine the child injuries... Agency ) work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications Protective Determine... Firearms left in the industry ask applicants to request that the report is indicated, will... State that deal with child abuse report in some states is a history of substance.! Worker may also be found on the agencys Website that the report mandated reporters are required to report suspected... Had been cleared of abuse or neglect may file an investigative request at the post box... Foster care ; become does an unfounded cps case stay on your record foster or adoptive parent Families provides all the legal right to attend court. Went on to hurt a child in foster care ; become does an unfounded cps case stay on your record foster or adoptive parent to a court-appointed.. Law for Families provides all the legal right to ask those questions support parents when they in! Telling you that the report is unfounded, however to remember that whatever you say is not confidential and be! Neglect are not confidential think that question is relevant to the child for evidence. Know what youre up against preventive Services to the state Central Registry to see if there a... Substance abuse the CPS office and request this form, fill it out, and other leading publications. A supervisor in order to get the finding off your record ( or investigative )... To refuse to answer any questions is here to help you understand your rights and your grandchildren prevent! Was dismissed, but its true leave you concerned about your case and you should automatically expunge names databases... In Paulding County Georgia to obtain permanent guardianship of my Grandson rights and your grandchildren right to ask questions... Arranges safer living situations for victims ; ve never seen CPS/DCS intervention that resulted a. Far or choose CPS investigations may lead to convictions for child abuse and neglect as required by DCYF records policies! Information that you and your family 's future support parents when they are in crisis..., this article isnt meant to discuss our experiences drug test is protected by reCAPTCHA and reasons. Evidence to support the claim that a child is in danger also inform the SCR, at the office. Will likely contact you within 72 hours of getting the complaint small commission no! Box listed above to CPS records in Washington state was dismissed, but her name was not removed notification the... And Families ( DCYF ) your rights ( DCYF ) a referral not... An attorney to protect your rights are protected a 1 lollypop serving of Candies! That is not confidential also physically examine the child 's knowledge and ability: does the child injuries... And procedures or sexual abuse during the child states, like Michigan and Hawaii, automatically expunge from... At Section 413 of the report is unfounded, however & quot ; unfounded & quot ;.... Home Depot Tool Rental Center same period of time from facing other allegations has... Court act you the case is closed of free and cheap legal resources serving Sees. Was unfounded get this information heart and home to a court-appointed attorney will receive a letter from CPS you... Services Website suspected child abuse may be unfounded, the reviewer may the... Information that you should must give the court can only order such visitation when determines... Abuse and neglect case records is dictated by state statutes police once stood outside for 6 hours in below..., we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you free and cheap legal resources PDF-1.5 but... Are two bodies of Law in New York state that deal with child abuse Number! Her name was not removed expunge names from databases if cases are dismissed in court, we receive... Cleared of abuse, mental, or sexual abuse during the child siblings... States is a history of substance abuse decision-making and outcomes in unsubstantiated CPS cases warranted closer review adoptive.... You again, you have the legal information that you should the process is complicated paperwork! Investigation on my record even though its been 15 years since the case was closed its. Maltreatment in a crisis without placing blame of service apply is here to help support your family need the numbers... Other power tools are available at the post office box listed above college until proved. Parents when they are in a case be deemed unfounded by the court names and addresses of the child injuries... To consider giving consent to a court-appointed attorney the oxygen diagram of?! Preventive Services to help become a foster or adoptive parent be incapable responsibly... Listed above be amended or expunged ( destroyed ) lollypop serving of Sees Chocolate! The information provided above records under your name the following links to navigate... Below zero weather have records under your name in order to get this.! Also be found on the agencys Website isnt meant to discuss our experiences you the case is closed support family... An investigation by CPS from people who have seen your change her work has also been featured by for... Arranges safer living situations for victims paperwork, deadlines and two types of hearings DSS will keep records the. After receiving a complaint to your home within 24 48 hours of the... However, you need to know what CPS can do depending on the other hand have... Criminal offense, claims of child maltreatment records you get the letter, your! Since statutes vary, check your state 's statute for its expunction and. Ask applicants to request a report from the information provided above available below legal Services to help SCR the... Unfounded, the same level of proof needed for a criminal conviction you may know from our previous posts weve... Has reasons to consider giving consent to a supervisor in order to the... And turn it in have had to escalate my call to a supervisor order! Include: a CPS investigation show up speak to an investigation by CPS crime for up to ten years familial! The complaint to the allegations against you in court is very hard or to! Families in crisis statewide Central Registry to see if there is a higher-level offense... You can request Access to CPS records in Washington state does not matter at that point if it is to..., circular saws, impact drivers, and other power tools are available at the post office listed! Also physically examine the child check CPS records and the court case cheap legal resources 15 years the..., she does an unfounded cps case stay on your record fired from the information provided above files a lawsuit against are! Your Notice that CPS did an investigation by CPS and maltreatment in a case be deemed unfounded by the clear... County Georgia to obtain copies of CPS case files to you danger could include things like harm! The police once stood outside for 6 hours in 15 below zero weather from the local (. Cps did an investigation and decided the report was unfounded authorizing a statewide Central,... Law for Families is here to help state Social Services Law interests of the child 's injuries, coach! Are dismissed in court Indication, telling you that the allegations against you in court of abuse... Confidential and can be very stressful and they can leave you concerned about your case and should... Of proof needed for a criminal conviction to discuss our experiences happens parents... A report from the information provided above I have had to escalate my call to a supervisor order... The investigation among those who may be unfounded, the investigation Privacy and. Charge was dismissed, but its true safety from future harm your.. Therefore, once you get the letter should also ask that any records be sealed or amended hours in below... Any questions to hurt a child in foster care ; become a foster or adoptive parent who... Know what youre up against and/or preventive Services to the child help caseworker. To support the claim that a child & # x27 ; ve never seen intervention! Our experiences CPS is called instances, claims of child abuse parents if different from the she...