If Child Protective Services has shown up at your door or contacted you, it’s natural to feel shocked or scared. CPS investigations are serious, and how you respond in the first few minutes can affect your entire case.
This guide explains what to do if CPS comes to your house in New York, what your rights are, and how a CPS defense attorney can protect your family.
CPS does not operate like most government agencies. CPS investigators will just show up at your home without warning, often at inconvenient or intimidating times: early mornings, evenings, weekends, or even holidays.
These surprise visits are meant to catch families off guard so the investigator can make judgments based on what they observe in the moment. But that doesn’t mean you have to let them in.
Our law firm represents parents across New York City, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Long Island, who are under investigation by CPS. We know how to deal with these agencies, push back on unfair tactics, and protect your family.
Do not talk to CPS. Do not let them in. Tell them to call your lawyer.
Then, call us. We fight CPS charges. We defend your rights. We protect your children.
The single most important thing to remember:
Do not speak to CPS without legal representation.
Even if the investigator seems friendly, their job is to gather evidence that will be used against you in court. CPS workers may say:
“We just have a few quick questions.”
“You’re not in trouble.”
“It’s best if you cooperate.”
Do NOT fall for this. Everything you say will be twisted, misquoted, or written into an official report. The smartest and safest response is:
“Please speak to my attorney. I will not be answering any questions.”
If CPS contacts you or shows up at your home, politely but firmly direct them to your attorney. You are not required to explain yourself, answer questions, or make any statements.
Once CPS is informed that you have hired legal counsel, they are required to go through your lawyer. This immediately creates a barrier that prevents CPS from pushing you into a conversation that could hurt your case.
Unless CPS has a valid warrant or court order, you are not required to let them into your home. Allowing CPS into your home exposes you to unnecessary risk.
CPS investigators often write subjective opinions about what they observe, opinions that will be misinterpreted.
You have the legal right to say:
“I do not consent to a search. Please contact my attorney.”
Another tactic CPS uses is they will try to speak with your children when you are not present. CPS workers will attempt to do this at school, in your home, or during a visit.
Unless they have a court order or there’s an emergency, you should refuse permission for them to question your child alone. You have the right to be present during any interviews, and your attorney should be involved at every step.
The earlier you involve a CPS defense lawyer, the better. Your attorney will:
CPS cases tend to escalate quickly. Allegations that start out vague lead to court hearings, service plans, and attempts to remove your children. Don’t wait to see what happens. Take control now.
If CPS has contacted you, don’t panic, but don’t face them alone.
Our law firm represents parents across New York City, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Long Island, and Westchester, who are under investigation by CPS. We know how to deal with these agencies, push back on unfair tactics, and protect your family.
Do not talk to CPS. Do not let them in. Tell them to call your lawyer.
Then, call us. We fight CPS charges. We defend your rights. We protect your children.
917-519-8417
Email Us
Schedule >
Call 917-519-8417