Sometimes a family runs into problems and they get a visit from Child Welfare Services (CWS), a division of the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency. The job of CWS is to investigate abuse of children and develop and enforce ways to protect them. Initially, if CWS believes abuse has occurred, it may create a proposed plan to keep the children safe, which it will then send to the parents and discuss with them on how best to proceed. During this initial phase, any cooperation by the parents with CWS is voluntary; unless CWS files a Juvenile Dependency action in court, it cannot force the parents to adhere to a plan. 

Develop a Safety Plan

However, to help prevent a dependency action from being filed, it can be useful for the parents to work with CWS and develop a safety plan.  The federal Health and Human Services Child and Family Services Reviews describes a safety plan thus:

A safety plan is a written agreement that the child protective services (CPS) caseworker develops with the family that clearly describes the safety services that will be used to manage threats to a child’s safety. Safety services assist families to engage in actions or activities that may logically eliminate or mitigate threats to the child’s safety. These activities must be planned realistically so that they are feasible and sustainable for the family over time. 

The safety plan will clearly outline what these actions and activities are, who is responsible for undertaking them, and under what conditions they will take place. It is designed to control threats to the child’s safety using the least intrusive means possible. 

When the parents adhere to the plan and the threats to a child’s safety are gone, the plan can be abated and no longer followed. This cooperation and concentrated effort by the parents can not only keep a dependency case, wherein the court might take the children out of the family home and placed in foster care while 18 months of reunification services are followed, but the good record accrued with Child Welfare Services over time can prove beneficial in any future custody or domestic violence proceeding. This is particularly true if one parent is far better than the other at following the safety plan and shows that she or he would be the better parent to have sole legal and physical custody.  

If you have more questions about developing a safety plan or Child Welfare Services, give JWB Family Law a call to learn more about how we can help: 619.234.6123. We look forward to speaking with you.

Contact JWB Family Law Today

    Categories

    Connect With Us

                

    Contact

    San Diego Office
    1620 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600
    San Diego, CA 92101

    Phone: 619.234.6123

    Temecula Office
    43537 Ridge Park Dr, Suite 100
    Temecula, CA 92590
    Phone: 951.297.3871

    El Centro Office
    300 S Imperial Ave, #10
    El Centro, CA 92243
    Phone: 760.460.4608

                

    Family Code Section 2030 and Its Role in Alleviating Financial Struggles in Divorce

    Within the intricate landscape of family law, Family Code Section 2030 assumes a pivotal role by addressing the economic imbalances that often surface during divorce proceedings. Its primary objective is to ensure that both parties embroiled in a divorce have...

    Tips for Protecting Your Financial Interests During a Divorce

    Tips for Protecting Your Financial Interests During a Divorce   Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process, often accompanied by numerous financial complexities. Protecting your financial interests during a divorce is crucial to ensure your future...

    How to Divide a Community Property Home?

    When individuals go through a divorce, they often contemplate selling their home quickly to divide their community property funds swiftly—an action that can be potentially costly. It's crucial not to sell the house until a written agreement has been established and...

    Child Support for Children with Special Needs

    Many individuals experience an increased likelihood of divorce when their marriage involves raising a child with special needs, be it due to conditions like autism or other medical issues. This heightened risk of divorce can be attributed to the significant stress...

    Federal Laws & Procedures Impacting Military Divorce

    Several federal laws are relevant procedurally when one or both spouses in a dissolution proceeding are members of the military. Although not every Act applies to every case, it is good practice to be aware of the federal laws and procedures that may impact your...

    A Detailed Breakdown of the Divorce Procedure

    Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process, often accompanied by numerous financial complexities. Protecting your financial interests during a divorce is crucial to ensure your future financial stability. In this blog, we will discuss several essential...

    The Difference Between Contested & Uncontested Divorce

    Divorce is a significant life event that involves the legal termination of a marital union. It is a decision often accompanied by complex emotions, legal considerations, and a multitude of issues to be resolved. When pursuing a divorce and finding a divorce attorney...

    Common Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce Proceedings

    Divorce is a complex and emotionally challenging process that requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making. From navigating legal intricacies to managing the emotional turmoil, divorcing couples often find themselves overwhelmed and prone to making...

    Property Division in Divorce: What You Need to Know

    Divorce is a challenging and emotionally charged process, requiring careful consideration and resolution of various legal and financial matters. One critical aspect that often arises during divorce proceedings is property division.This encompasses a broad range of...

    How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer for Your Case

    Divorce is an emotionally challenging and legally complex process that marks the end of a significant chapter in one's life. When facing the dissolution of a marriage, it’s crucial to have the right legal representation by your side. A skilled and experienced divorce...