When a DCPP Investigation Leads to Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Most investigations by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) are civil investigations. Some, however, lead to criminal investigations. Parents may not realize that criminal charges are possible until a police officer or detective contacts them about child abuse or neglect allegations. DCPP does not have the authority to file criminal charges. […]
read full articleFoster Parent Abuse and Neglect Investigations in New Jersey
Why NJ Foster Parents Face Increased DCPP Scrutiny Foster parents are often under scrutiny that biological parents don’t have to deal with in everyday family life. That is because foster children are already involved in the child welfare system, so more professionals are watching the child, the foster home, and the caregiver all the time. […]
read full articleDCPP Investigations and Military Families in New Jersey: What Parents Need to Know
DCPP Investigations Apply to Military Families in New Jersey For a military family, a DCPP investigation can quickly become two separate matters happening at the same time. New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency has the same responsibility to investigate a report of suspected child abuse or neglect involving a military household that it […]
read full articleHow Social Media Can Affect a DCPP Investigation in New Jersey
A parent under investigation by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency may feel overwhelmed, angry, embarrassed, or desperate for support. In that moment, posting on Facebook can feel harmless. A parent might vent about the stress of dealing with DCPP, complain about a caseworker, respond to accusations from the other parent, or […]
read full articleHot Car Incidents and DCPP Investigations in New Jersey
One moment, the parent steps inside, thinking it will take only seconds. A break from the usual pattern can lead to a napping infant being unintentionally forgotten in a rear-facing seat. This is how many overheating incidents begin. In a matter of moments, an ordinary day can turn into a terrifying emergency, a call to […]
read full articleFentanyl and DCPP Investigations in New Jersey: What Parents Need to Know
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl (the equivalent of 10 to 15 grains of table salt) is considered a lethal dose for adults. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is found in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills. […]
read full articleWhat Are Your Rights When DCPP Shows Up Unannounced in NJ?
Why DCPP Makes Unannounced Home Visits DCPP caseworkers often show up without warning because the agency is required to see a child’s living situation as it exists day to day, not after a family has had time to prepare. An unannounced visit allows the caseworker to observe the home in its normal condition and get […]
read full articleLegal Implications for Immigrant Families in DCP&P Cases
New Jersey DCPP May Investigate Immigrant Families, and Some Protections Exist, But Deportation is Still a Possibility Depending on the Circumstances Living in a country different from your own is challenging. Adapting to the culture, food, and customs can pose significant hurdles. Additionally, immigrant families have different issues regarding DCP&P investigations. Many families come from […]
read full articleRetaliatory DCPP Reports May Be Considered Domestic Violence Harassment
False Child Abuse Reports to DCPP are Often Driven By Retaliation in Disputes, Especially Among Divorced Couples or Family Members in New Jersey. Reporting child abuse is a duty everyone has to keep children safe. But when abuse is falsely reported to DCPP, it is illegal. False reports occur most between divorced couples as a […]
read full articleEnduring Influence of CASA Volunteers in DCPP Cases
CASA: Non-Profit Advocates for Foster Children, Ensuring Their Well-Being when Placed Outside of the Home in New Jersey It comes as no surprise that the child welfare system is overburdened, meaning its cases, and ultimately, the children involved in those cases aren’t always able to get the support and resources necessary to improve their situation […]
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