Radio show callers share one after another depressing story of their dealings with DCFS and CPS social workers who are trying to, or have already taken their kids. We would ask families what they think they need. We provide aggressive representation to parents and guardians in DCFS/CPS cases. Maria Barron, left, her daughter Melanie, 11, and husband David listen as attorney Brian Claypool announces a $50-million lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Department of Children Services and . Now we have 30, but we have to file five times as much paperwork. FM's attorney says they. Atty. Appellate CounselCalifornia Appellate Project Los Angeles, CAAppellate Defenders, Inc. San Diego, CASixth District Appellate Program San Jose, CA. }, { "audience":"Customers looking for a Childrens Law attorney", "name": "What is Required to Adopt a Child in Foster Care? If the allegations are less severe, a close family member may be allowed to take the child. He really cared about me and my children. These real radio caller stories have a common denominator: parents who settled on either (1) an over-burdened, over-worked, court-appointed attorney, or (2), they hired a general family law attorney who was completely baffled, like a fish out of water trying to help parents in a strange, confusing, Juvenile Dependency courtroom. Each law firm assigned to the case will normally represent a parent until the court is no longer involved in the case. Contact me. Mr. Davis is also eligible to practice law before the United States District Court for the Central District of California; the United States District Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. The attorneys at Riley Khorram previously advised DCFS and the Board of Supervisors on these DCFS breach of mandatory duties. Mr. Davis acted as both trial and appellate counsel in the published cases of: Marriage of David and Martha M., (2006) 140 Cal.App.4th 96 and Papakosmas v. Papakosmas, (2007) 483 F.3d 617. While most reports target the parent of the child, DCFS will investigate anyone who regularly interacts with the child, such as a teacher or daycare provider, as well as anyone who lives in the child's home. I was going through a difficult time with child custody. "name": "Should I Use the Court-Appointed Lawyer? Our team has more than 150 dependency cases under their belts, and we approach every case with the determination to fight for you and your family. Foster care operates on the assumption that the child may be able to return to the care of their birth parents or other relatives after a period of time. When you need a Los Angeles dependency lawyer, you can contact us for aconsultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at (866) 811-4255. El Segundo attorney Patricio Barrera of Barrera & Associates represented Soheila Abyane, a 24-year employee of the County of Los Angeles, where she was a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) childrens supervising social worker. Choosing the right representation can be stressful and difficult. Where real wounds exist, we are committed to healing. The department has faced criticism over the way it handled three recent cases. If you are a parent in Los Angeles, there is a good chance that you have heard of Child Protective Services (CPS). At ALL Trial Lawyers, you can count on our Los Angeles dependency lawyers to handle every aspect of your case. Q: Is there any attorney that fights against DCFS and has won for civil rights violation. Defeat? From several offices located in Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Orange County, we serve the communities of Arcadia, Beverly Hills, La Mirada, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Rancho Cucamonga, Pasadena, Glendale, Ontario, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Anaheim, Long Beach, Downey, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, La Habra, Diamond Bar, Yorba Linda, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Monrovia, Duarte, and Sierra Madre, California. Dependency cases in Los Angeles are created if a parent or guardian is accused of child abuse or neglect. DCFS is a Jekyll/Hyde organization in my opinion. Michigan,Family Court,Juvenile Dependency, violateyour right,by falsely accusing you,of harming such. My child while living under DYFS,CPS,DCF supervision was CHOKED. We offer 100% free consultations, and we can get to work on your case right away. Our pro bono partners are among Los Angeles' best and brightest attorneys. The most severe consequence is that the parents rights may be terminated, and the child will be permanently removed from the home and placed in foster care. The retaliatory conduct of Ms. Abyanes supervisors was particularly troubling given that Ms. Abyane was employed in DCFS Wateridge office, which services South Central Los Angeles and some of the most impoverished areas of Los Angeles. They may also be sentenced to prison and face hefty court fines. The social worker has a legal obligation to act in the childs best interests. Section 300 of the Wellness and Institutions Code (WIC) lists the types of abuse and neglect that fall under CPS jurisdiction. Sometimes, the children remain in the foster care system until they reach legal age. "name": "What Is Children's Law? 8-13-25 Sacramento, CA 95814 1- (877) 846-1602 fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov For more information on how the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson can assist you, please visit our website at https://fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov Complaints Regarding County Social Worker Conduct When you are being accused of abuse or neglect and are up against DCFS or CPS in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California, . If an attorney has not reached out to you by noon on the day before your scheduled hearing, please call us at the above number. The will not have the time to dedicate to protecting your family that a private attorney can offer. DCFS or court concerns would result in referrals to appropriate community resources, not forced subjugation to racist, sexist, and classist family regulation. As I tell all my clients, if you signed something (They'll call it many things, safety plan, lollipops, et al), 99.9% of the war is already over and there's little that can be done. Your attorney will defend you against the allegations brought against you, and help protect your parental rights. The night that I was served papers was not a night I would like to replay again. 1900 Avenue of the Stars #1850 Los Angeles, CA 90067, 300 Esplanade Drive, Suite 1140, Oxnard, CA 93036. My child was abused,pushed,shoved,beat up by a step-mother. We will also provide information on juvenile dependency cases and what to expect if a juvenile dependency case, DCFS case, or CPS case is opened against you. Atthe Land Legal Group, our Los Angelesdivorce attorneysknow that, depending on family dynamics, and the personal relationship of the spouses in question, some child custody agreements can be easy to Atthe Land Legal Group, our Los Angelesdivorce attorneysknow when Californiaparents get divorced, their children provide the foundation for their futures. "@type": "Answer", 310-430-7799. What Happens During a DCFS/CPS Investigation? He worked on the Guardianship Case concerning my granddaughter, Serenity. Joseph was sensitive to my EVERY need as his client. Appointed by the California Court of Appeal to represent indigent parties in their appeals from decisions rendered by the juvenile dependency courts of the Second, Fourth and Sixth Appellate Districts. Pro Bono Practice Program. Highly recommended! What is Required to Adopt a Child in Foster Care? These lawyers are well-trained, but often overworked. Every family has a story. My major complaints with other attorneys were that they billed me into oblivion and Joseph was really great for me and my children. I was involved in a nasty divorce with a nasty opposing attorney and I did not know where to turn. Joe helped me retain custody of my childrena service that forever changed who I am as a person. ] The judges that stand-up to DCFS are chased out of the courthouse by politics. Barrera & Associates is a litigation and employment law firm, located in El Segundo, California. 10880 Wilshire Blvd, Glendon Ave, Suite 1101, Los Angeles, CA 90024, 888 Prospect Street, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037, 2400 E Katella Ave, Suite 800, Anaheim, CA 92806, 77711 Flora Rd, Suite 309, Palm Desert, CA 92211, 4900 California Ave Tower B 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93309, 9465 Wilshire Blvd Suite 300, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. When a petition is filed in court our lawyers are appointed to represent parents in the case. This is a relatively new DCFS policy, even though the case law is not new. We can connect you with the resources, tools, and legal actions suitable for recovering your damages. Download the application form. You can file a claim if you feel the agency is responsible for causing you injury, damage or loss. Dont believe us. I highly recommend Joseph Land. He really shows you he cares. If you are a children's services worker from another jurisdiction and need information on a child or family served by the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles County, please call the DCFS Public Inquiry line at (213) 351-5602 or e-mail PInquiries@dcfs.lacounty.gov. When I was served with paperwork from my daughters fathers family using grandparents rights I was beyond terrified. Stolar Law Group: 40 Years of Combined Family Law Experience Our firm's attorneys have been providing exceptional representation to individuals and families who are dealing with false allegations of sexual abuse for 40 years. ", Attorneys are a dime a dozen, but not all are created equal (I know this from experience). 1933 S. Broadway, Suite 6 Los Angeles, CA 90007 Helen Maxwell, ER Division Chief (323) 900-2200 Michael Rauso, CS RA (213) . In most cases, the adult is already caring for the child on a day-to-day basis but has no legal rights to serve as their guardian. The law firms represent parents in juvenile dependency proceedings in Los Angeles County. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1987U.S. Call us at 310-430-7799 today. Help form directly below,is required to be filled out, prior to calling our very busy effective 1 of a kind ACTION-LEARNING network." 1-929-277 . I have been falsely accused. I am truly grateful,and now i have my suit filed,my violation has CEASE just as Bella said it would He helped me and my Daughter I am forever grateful to him. He's young and hungry and totally Mr. Land really helped me during a hard time in my life. this lawsuit against the County of Los Angeles, the Department of Children and Family Services, and several employees, alleging that . "text": "There are a number of reasons someone may need to prove defacto parent status. As we hopefully move into a post-COVID-19 era, remote hearings continue to be available in most Dependency Court cases, but in-person hearings are also now being conducted at Edelman Childrens Court in Monterey Park and the Alfred J. McCourtney Juvenile Justice Center in Lancaster. Call us now to speak to a lawyer and for your free consultation. I honestly wish I would have found Joseph first!! Sampson v. County of Los Angeles, No. The Juvenile Court process can be very complex, and you will need an experienced attorney to protect your rights. My child in North Carolina was removed by DSS. Only after these rights have been terminated can the adoptive parents finalize the adoption of the child with the help of their family law attorney. Together, we advocate for healthcare, education, and financial support for families created by adoption, foster care, and guardianship. 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