Ontario CPS Lawyers

The Juvenile Dependency Process in Ontario, California: Key Steps and How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help You

The juvenile dependency process in Ontario, California, is designed to protect children from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. However, it also involves numerous hearings and legal decisions that can dramatically affect your family’s future. If you’re navigating a juvenile dependency case in Ontario, California,  Shaw 3 Law Firm’s experienced Ontario CPS lawyers are here to offer the support you need. We’ll fight to protect your parental rights and guide you toward reunification with your child. Below is a detailed breakdown of the juvenile dependency process and how our firm can help you every step of the way.

1. Initial Investigation and Removal

What Happens:

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

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our expert Ontario CPS lawyers will guide you through the investigation, ensuring your rights are upheld. We can help challenge the removal if there are valid grounds to do so and work toward the swift return of your child.

2. Detention Hearing

When: Typically within 48 hours of the child’s removal from the home.
Purpose: The court decides whether the child should stay in foster care or be returned to the parents’ custody during the case.

What to Expect:

• CPS will present evidence supporting the removal.
• Parents have the opportunity to dispute the removal and request the return of the child.
• The court may order foster care placement or return the child with conditions (e.g., CPS supervision).

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• At the detention hearing, our skilled Ontario CPS lawyers will fight to contest the removal and work for your child’s return. If foster care placement is unavoidable, we will advocate for conditions that support your reunification, such as supervised visits or family services.

3. Jurisdictional Hearing

When: Within 15 court days after the detention hearing.
Purpose: The court determines if the allegations of abuse or neglect are substantiated, deciding whether the child should be declared a dependent of the court.

What to Expect:

• CPS will file a petition with the allegations.
• Parents can admit or deny the allegations.
• If denied, a trial will follow where evidence and witness testimony will be presented.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Ontario CPS lawyers will evaluate the allegations and challenge them as necessary. We can negotiate a settlement to avoid trial or defend you in court to ensure the allegations are disproven, potentially leading to your child’s return.

4. Disposition Hearing

When: Typically 7 to 10 days after the jurisdictional hearing or at the same time if the child is declared a dependent.
Purpose: The court decides the next steps—whether the child should stay in foster care or be returned home and what services should be provided for reunification.

What to Expect:

• The social worker will present recommendations regarding the child’s placement and services needed.
• The judge will decide what services (e.g., counseling, parenting classes) should be ordered for the parents to help reunify.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Ontario CPS lawyers will fight for the best outcome at the disposition hearing. If reunification services are ordered, we will ensure that they are reasonable and tailored to your needs, helping you take the necessary steps to regain custody of your child.

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

When: Every 6 months after the disposition hearing.
Purpose: The court reviews progress in the reunification plan and determines if the child can safely return home.

What to Expect:

• CPS will submit progress reports.
• The judge will decide whether to continue or modify reunification services.
• Parents and their attorneys can present progress updates and concerns.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Ontario CPS attorneys will help you track your progress, ensuring CPS accurately reports your efforts. If services are at risk of being reduced or terminated, we will fight to keep reunification as the goal and advocate for continued services.

6. Permanency Planning Hearing (18-Month Hearing)

When: After 18 months if reunification has not been successful.
Purpose: The court will begin looking for permanent solutions for the child, such as adoption or guardianship.

What to Expect:

• If reunification is unsuccessful, the court may prioritize adoption or guardianship.
• The court may terminate parental rights if it finds reunification is not possible.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Ontario CPS attorneys will aggressively defend against the termination of your parental rights and work to demonstrate that reunification is still achievable. If necessary, we will explore alternatives such as guardianship to ensure your continued involvement in your child’s life.

7. Adoption or Guardianship Hearing

When: After the court decides adoption or guardianship is the best option.
Purpose: The court finalizes the child’s permanent placement with adoptive parents or legal guardians.

What to Expect:

• A petition for adoption or guardianship is filed, and the court will review the child’s specific needs.
• If adoption is the plan, a pre-adoption home study will be conducted.

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Our Ontario CPS attorneys will guide you through the adoption or guardianship process, ensuring your rights are protected. We’ll advocate for the best interests of your child and work to achieve the best outcome for your family.

8. Post-Adoption/Post-Guardianship Review

When: After adoption or guardianship has been finalized.
Purpose: To ensure the child is thriving in their new permanent home.

What to Expect:

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

How Shaw 3 Law Firm Can Help:

• Although this stage focuses on the child’s new family, our Ontario CPS attorneys can help you understand any ongoing rights or responsibilities you may have.

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 shifts to permanency planning, such as adoption or guardianship.
• Legal representation is essential throughout the process to ensure your rights are protected.
• Our Ontario CPS attorneys are here to provide skilled advocacy and support, helping you navigate the system and fight for your family’s future.
• Timeliness is crucial—California law requires permanency decisions within 18 months of a child’s removal from the home.

The juvenile dependency process can feel overwhelming, but with Shaw 3 Law Firm at your side, you’ll have an experienced team helping you through every stage. We are committed to defending your parental rights and working toward the best possible outcome for you and your child.

We have successfully helped families in Orange County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and beyond.

Check out our success stories to see how we’ve helped others facing similar challenges.

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 advocate during this difficult time.