In Florida, the safety and well-being of children are paramount. When concerns arise about a child's safety, Florida's Department of Children and Families, through Child Protective Services, can step in to investigate. In 2021 alone, Florida's DCF reported that CPS...
Juvenile Dependency
What to do if Child Protective Services investigates you
Finding out that Florida Child Protective Services has opened an investigation against you can be distressing and confusing. You may feel frightened or unsure of what steps to take next. An investigation by CPS does not automatically mean that you will lose custody of...
Social media can be dangerous during a CPS investigation
While under investigation by the Florida Department of Children and Families, you may feel as though your entire life is under a microscope. During the investigation, DCF will look for signs of abuse or neglect. If you have an active social media presence, it is...
4 differences between dependency court and criminal court
Certain events might send children and their parents to Florida Juvenile Dependency Courts. While these same events might also form the bases for criminal trials, the two court systems are very different. This article will look at the dependency court in general. It...
Child health care provisions in Florida divorce settlements
Divorce settlements may include court orders that mandate making financial support payments to an ex-spouse or to provide for the children. As noted on the Florida Senate website, divorce settlements must include provisions specifying each spouse’s contribution toward...
How to speed up the reunification process
Losing your child to foster care is a frightening experience. You likely will experience feelings of inadequacy and despair, but this is not the time to give up. Florida wants to return children to their parents if possible, so you must take the steps necessary to...
Florida child support enforcement among the worst in the U.S.
After a divorce, many parents rely on regular child support payments from their former spouse to help with childcare expenses. However, parents owe almost 400,000 Florida children almost $7 billion in unpaid child support. Why do such a large amount of court-ordered...
Do you understand your child welfare hearing?
If officials suspect that your children are experiencing neglect, they may remove them from your home. A court hearing is sometimes necessary to evaluate the situation. According to the Children's Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hearings...
What rights do you have when DCF shows up at your door?
Even if you have nothing to hide, few things have the potential to be more intimidating than dealing with the Department of Children and Families. After all, a DCF social worker may come to your house with a police officer and demand to talk to your son or daughter....
How do you pay for an alcohol rehabilitation program?
Recently, the Florida Department of Children and Families took your kids from your home. To get them back, you must prove you have what it takes to overcome your drinking habit. Rehab programs may cost money you do not have. WebMD explores ways to pay for alcohol...