Parents rights when dealing with dcs indiana?

What are your rights against CPS?

You have the right to a court-appointed attorney if CPS files a lawsuit against you. Parents and caregivers can deny any allegations made by the CPS. Parents also have the right to attend all court hearings regarding your case, even if the children are taken away.

How long does a parent have to be absent to be considered abandonment in Indiana?

In other words, a custodial or non-custodial parent may be said to have abandoned or deserted a child. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-19-9-8(a)(1), the period of abandonment must last for at least six months immediately preceding the filing of a petition for adoption.

How long can DCS keep a case open?

DCS can keep your child in temporary custody for 3 business days. Business days do not include weekends or holidays. Before the end of those 3 business days, DCS must decide if they will file paperwork with the juvenile court requesting a judge to grant a dependency.

How long does CPS have to investigate a case in Indiana?

How long does a CPS investigation last? In most instances, Child Protective Services has approximately 45 days to investigate reports of neglect, dependency and abuse. If the investigation takes longer than 45 days the agency must promptly notify the family about the extension.

Can CPS take my child for a messy house?

CPS can indeed take your child if they determine that the child is living in an unhealthy environment.

Can CPS come to your house unannounced?

CPS has absolutely no right to enter your home unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. The only way an investigator can come into your home without a warrant is if you invite them in. The U.S. Constitution protects your rights to be free from a government search unless the investigator has a warrant.

How do you prove a parent unfit in Indiana?

Determining an Unfit Parent in 2021

1. Setting Age-Appropriate Limits.
2. Understanding and Responding to the Child’s Needs.
3. History of Childcare Involvement.
4. Methods for Resolving the Custody Conflict with the Other Parent.
5. Child Abuse.
6. Domestic Violence.
7. Substance Abuse.
8. Psychiatric Illness.

At what age can a child decide visitation in Indiana?

In Indiana, a child’s wishes regarding custody are not controlling until the child is at least 14 years old, to help minimize any undue influence from a parent. Nevertheless, the preference of a child younger than 14 won’t be discounted entirely.

How hard is it to terminate parental rights?

As such, the termination of parental rights is very rare. While you may feel that your “deadbeat” ex isn’t worthy of the privilege of time with your child, the courts look on the matter differently, taking a child’s needs and well-being into account over a parent’s personal grievances.

Can DCS reopen a closed case?

Even after a CPS investigation is over, many people worry, “Can CPS reopen a closed case?” The answer is yes if they have sufficient evidence to do so. If CPS reopens a case, make sure you seek out a CPS defense lawyer to help support you.

Can CPS spy on you?

You can sue CPS in their Official and Individual Capacity. They do spy on you. Whoever said they don’t has not been in a BenchMark Meeting where the Caseworker said she found your Facebook Post in a Group. Another thing they do to Parents is Predictive Negligence at every 45 day Benchmark Meeting before the court date.

What does it mean when DCS closes a case?

If the child is deemed safe in the home

If no services are needed, the case is closed. If services are needed, DCS relies on the family-functioning assessment to determine if they should be done voluntarily or under Juvenile Court direction.

Can I find out who reported me to CPS?

CPS reports are confidential and there is no legal way to find out who made the complaint. Most people, however, have a pretty good idea who made the complaint.

What does it mean when CPS red flags you?

Investigations which automatically meet the Red Flag designation are those investigations in which, at a minimum, critical injuries have occurred, a permanent or serious impairment may have occurred, or there has been a death or critical injury to another child in the family.

Can a judge dismiss a CPS case?

Can a CPS Case Be Dismissed? The judge can dismiss a CPS case if it determines CPS has not provided enough evidence to substantiate the allegations. In such cases, CPS can‘t continue its investigation unless the family gives their consent.