Anne Arundel County Child Protective Services (CPS) Lawyer

Anne Arundel County Child Protective Services Attorney

If Child Protective Services (CPS) has started to get involved in your family’s life, the situation can quickly escalate and become emotionally taxing, confusing, and stressful. Whether you are facing a removal procedure or are under investigation in the area, it is essential to have an experienced Anne Arundel County Child Protective Services (CPS) lawyer on your side. A dedicated attorney from the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can provide crucial support today.

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we have an in-depth understanding of local family court processes and Maryland law. This enables us to develop optimal legal strategies to defend your parental rights, the welfare of your children, and the future of your family. With years of combined experience in successfully defending families in the Anne Arundel County area, we can apply our knowledge and skill to your case.

Understanding CPS in Anne Arundel County

The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services, which is part of the larger Maryland Department of Human Services, manages Child Protective Services to look into any reports of child neglect or abuse. CPS has the mandate of ensuring children’s protection. However, these processes can sometimes lead to aggressive overreach and misunderstandings, resulting in interventions into family life that are unsubstantiated.

If CPS has visited your home, removed your child, or asked you to attend a family involvement meeting, it is crucial to seek qualified legal counsel as soon as possible. A dedicated CPS attorney can work to protect the rights of you and your family throughout all investigations. If necessary, they can advocate fiercely on your behalf during any administrative hearings or court.

Why CPS Cases Are Increasing in Anne Arundel County

According to Census statistics from 2024, Anne Arundel County is home to 603,555 residents and over 227,000 households. With this kind of population growth comes increasing burdens on the family court system and CPS. For example, the county saw a 3.4% increase from 2020 to 2024, which raises the stress on social services.

With a median household income of $115,866 and an average household size of 2.61, many children are living in homes with multiple family members and shared responsibilities for guardianship. With a combined demographic complexity and population growth, more CPS reports may be filed, and an increasing number of investigations may be carried out. Unfortunately, a greater number of families may be misrepresented or wrongly targeted.

What to Expect in a CPS Investigation

CPS investigations typically begin with reports made by an anonymous source, neighbor, doctor, or teacher. Under Maryland law, certain types of professionals are required to report any suspected instances of neglect or abuse, even if they are unsure or don’t have evidence to confirm their suspicions.

After a report is filed, CPS may:

• Come to your house unannounced.
• Start speaking with teachers, doctors, or relatives.
• Request a mental health evaluation or drug test.
• Show up at your child’s school to interview them.

They may also try to offer a “safety plan” that could involve limiting your access to your child or removing them from your home.

As all this can happen suddenly, parents can be left feeling blindsided and overwhelmed. It is crucial not to go through this process alone. An experienced CPS lawyer can intervene to safeguard your rights, manage communications on your behalf, and give you the information you need to make informed decisions.

How an Anne Arundel CPS Lawyer Can Help

Our compassionate legal team can provide you with innovative, rigorous representation during any CPS-related processes. We can support you by:

• Providing representation in Shelter Care hearings
• Going over and negotiating any safety plans
• Responding to CPS visits or interviews
• Fiercely challenging any findings of abuse or neglect

Furthermore, we can help you navigate cases involving the termination of parental rights. If necessary, we can file appeals or seek expungements of your CPS record. As we are deeply aware of the urgency and sensitivity of such cases, we can quickly leverage aggressive tactics to keep your family together, especially when matters like protective orders are involved.

FAQs About Child Protective Services Law in Anne Arundel County,MD

What Are Common Triggers for CPS Involvement in Anne Arundel County?

Common triggers for CPS involvement in Anne Arundel County include:

• Instances of domestic violence in the home
• Accusations of neglect
• Mental health or substance abuse concerns involving a caregiver or parent
• Physical injuries reported by medical professionals
• Parental reports that may emerge from custody disputes

It’s important to note that, while many reports are made in good faith, it does not mean that they are all valid.

What Is the Role of Anne Arundel County Courts in CPS Cases?

The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, located in Annapolis, is where CPS cases tend to be heard. Such proceedings could include:

• CINA (Child in Need of Assistance) hearing
• Emergency Shelter Care hearings
• Adjudication and disposition hearings
• Termination of Parental Rights trials
• Permanency planning reviews

What Happens If I Refuse to Cooperate With CPS in Maryland?

If you refuse to cooperate with CPS in Maryland, this could lead to enhanced scrutiny. CPS could seek a court order to further investigate or, in extreme cases, remove the child from your home. You have the right, however, to consult a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer before undergoing any questioning from CPS, and understanding what you should know about responding to a CPS complaint can make a big difference.

Can CPS Take My Child Without a Court Order?

Generally, no. CPS cannot take your child from you without a court order. However, in emergencies where CPS has reason to believe that your child is in immediate danger, they could remove them without having a court order. Even then, there must be a court hearing held immediately to determine whether the removal was substantiated.

Contact Us Today to Protect Your Family

If CPS has started to get involved with your family, you do not have to navigate this situation alone. Whether you’re looking at a complex legal battle or the beginning of a CPS investigation, an Anne Arundel County CPS lawyer from the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can assist you. We offer an initial consultation to assess your case and explain your immediate rights and options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.