Orange County CPS Lawyers

Juvenile Dependency Process in Orange County, California: Key Steps and How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Assist

The juvenile dependency process in Orange County, California, protects children from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This process involves multiple hearings and legal decisions that can significantly affect a family’s future. If you are facing a juvenile dependency case in Orange County, our experienced Orange County CPS lawyers at Shaw 3 Law Firm are here to provide the legal support you need. We will defend your parental rights and guide you toward reunification with your child. Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of the juvenile dependency process and how we can assist you at each stage.

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1. Initial Investigation and Removal

What Happens:

• Child Protective Services (CPS) investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect.
• If CPS determines there is immediate danger to the child, they may remove the child from the home.
• CPS will file a dependency petition in court to initiate the legal process.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Orange County CPS lawyers will guide you through the investigation, ensuring your rights are respected. We can help challenge the removal if there are valid reasons and work toward getting your child back home as quickly as possible.

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2. Detention Hearing

When: Typically within 48 hours of the child’s removal from the home.
Purpose: The court will determine whether the child should remain in temporary foster care or be returned to the parents’ custody while the case progresses.

What to Expect:

• CPS will present evidence to justify the child’s removal.
• Parents can dispute the removal and request the return of the child.
• The court may decide to keep the child in foster care or return them home with conditions (e.g., under CPS supervision).

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Shaw 3 Law Firm’s Orange County CPS lawyers will vigorously represent you at the detention hearing, helping you contest the removal and seek the child’s return. If the child remains in foster care, we will advocate for conditions that support reunification, such as supervised visits or family services.

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3. Jurisdictional Hearing

When: Within 15 court days after the detention hearing.
Purpose: The court will decide whether the child should be declared a dependent of the court by determining whether the allegations of abuse or neglect are substantiated.

What to Expect:

• CPS will file a petition outlining the specific allegations.
• Parents can admit or deny the allegations.
• If the allegations are denied, a trial (known as a jurisdiction trial) will take place, where evidence and witness testimony are presented.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• At the jurisdictional hearing, our Orange County CPS lawyers will assess the strength of the allegations and work to challenge them. We can help negotiate a settlement to avoid trial or defend you in court to ensure the allegations are not proven, potentially leading to the return of your child.

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4. Disposition Hearing

When: Typically 7 to 10 days after the jurisdictional hearing, or at the same time if the child is found to be a dependent.
Purpose: The court will decide the next steps, including whether the child should remain in foster care or be returned home, and what services should be provided to support reunification.

What to Expect:

• The Social Worker will present a report with recommendations for the child’s placement and the services the parents need.
• The judge will decide what services (e.g., parenting classes, counseling, substance abuse treatment) are necessary for reunification.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Orange County CPS lawyers will advocate for the best possible outcome during the disposition hearing. If reunification services are ordered, we will ensure they are reasonable and support your efforts to complete the case plan and regain custody of your child.

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5. Review Hearings (6-Month, 12-Month, 18-Month)

When: Every 6 months following the disposition hearing.
Purpose: The court will review the parents’ progress in the reunification plan and decide if the child can be safely returned home.

What to Expect:

• CPS will provide progress reports.
• The judge will review whether reunification services should continue or be modified.
• Parents and their attorneys can present updates on progress and concerns.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Shaw 3 Law Firm’s Orange County CPS lawyers will help you track and document progress, ensuring CPS reports accurately reflect your efforts. If reunification services are at risk of being limited or terminated, we will fight to continue services and keep the focus on reunification with your child.

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6. Permanency Planning Hearing (18-Month Hearing)

When: After 18 months if reunification efforts have not been successful.
Purpose: The court will begin considering permanent solutions for the child, such as adoption, guardianship, or long-term foster care.

What to Expect:

• If reunification efforts have failed, the court may prioritize adoption or other permanent placements.
• If the court determines that reunification is not possible, it may terminate parental rights.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Orange County CPS lawyers will vigorously defend against the termination of parental rights and work to show that reunification is still possible. We can also help explore alternatives like guardianship if reunification is no longer an option.

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7. Adoption or Guardianship Hearing

When: After the court decides to pursue adoption or guardianship.
Purpose: The court will finalize the child’s permanent placement with adoptive parents or legal guardians.

What to Expect:

• The adoption or guardianship petition is filed, and the court will review the child’s specific needs.
• If adoption is the goal, a pre-adoption home study will be conducted to assess the suitability of the adoptive family.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Orange County CPS lawyers can guide you through the adoption or guardianship process, ensuring your rights are protected and fighting for the best possible outcome for your child.

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8. Post-Adoption/Post-Guardianship Review

When: After adoption or guardianship has been finalized.
Purpose: To monitor the child’s adjustment to their new home and ensure they are thriving in their permanent placement.

What to Expect:

• Adoptive parents may need to provide updates on the child’s well-being.
• Guardians may need to report periodically to the court.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• While post-adoption or post-guardianship reviews typically focus on the child’s new family, Shaw 3 Law Firm can help you understand your ongoing rights and responsibilities in these matters.

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Key Points to Remember:

• Reunification is the primary goal in most juvenile dependency cases, and CPS will work with parents to help them safely regain custody of their children.
• If reunification efforts fail, the focus may shift to permanency planning, such as adoption or guardianship.
• Legal representation is crucial throughout the dependency process to ensure that your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
• Our Orange County CPS lawyers are here to provide skilled legal advocacy and support to help you navigate the juvenile dependency system and fight for your family’s future.
• Timeliness is critical—California law requires permanency decisions to be made within 18 months of a child’s removal from the home.

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The juvenile dependency process can be overwhelming, but with Shaw 3 Law Firm by your side, you will have an experienced advocate who can guide you through each step of the process. We are dedicated to defending your parental rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Our team has successfully helped families in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Check out our success stories here.

Contact Shaw 3 Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help with your juvenile dependency case. Let us be your trusted partner in this challenging time.