Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) complaints against parents or caregivers may allege violations of Title 9 or Title 30. In a Title 9 hearing, the DCPP must prove that child abuse or neglect has occurred and that it is necessary to remove the child from the home to ensure their safety. In a Title 30 hearing, the DCPP charges that the child in question be removed from the home because they are not receiving proper supervision and care.
Whenever a parent or caregiver is contacted by DCPP officials, it is imperative that they seek counsel from an experienced and qualified DCPP lawyer. DCPP has the authority to remove a child from the home if they determine that the child’s safety is in jeopardy, or that proper care or supervision is not being provided.
Title 9 and Title 30 Hearings
When a report of suspected child abuse or neglect comes into DCPP, an investigation of the situation must occur within 24 hours. At that time, DCPP will determine if the child is in imminent danger in their living situation. If DCPP officials believe the child is in jeopardy of harm, they will remove the child from the home. If officials believe that the claims against the parents are false, or if they believe the child is safe in the home while an investigation continues, the child can remain with the parents or caregivers.
If the child is removed from the home, a Title 9 or Title 30 hearing will take place within four months. If the child was able to remain in the home while the investigation proceeded, the Title 9 or Title 30 hearing will take place within six months. Evidence found against parents or caregivers gathered during an investigation will be presented at these trials. The defendants have the opportunity to dispute the evidence at these hearings.
It is important that parents or caregivers accused of abuse or neglect be represented by counsel during a Title 9 or Title 30 hearing. The charges against the adults in these cases are serious and can have long-lasting, life-altering consequences. The names of those charged with abuse or neglect under Title 9 will be filed on a state database that is accessible to employers in childcare and nursing home industries. Employers are mandated to check this database before hiring an individual for jobs in daycare, education, elder care, and assisted living facilities and are prohibited from offering employment to those on the registry.
What to Do if You are Facing a DCPP Investigation
If you are contacted by DCPP about suspected child abuse or neglect, it is vital that you contact an experienced New Jersey DYFS/DCPP lawyer. Consultation and representation by a DCPP lawyer will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that your child’s best interests are served. In the event your investigation leads to a Title 9 or Title 30 hearing, your DCPP lawyer can provide hard evidence to dispute the conclusions of the DCPP investigation and get your child returned to the home.
Contact a New Jersey DCPP Lawyer at the Law Offices of Theodore J. Baker if You are Facing a DCPP Investigation
If you have been accused of Title 9 or Title 30 violations, call a New Jersey DCPP lawyer at the Law Offices of Theodore J. Baker at 856-795-9400, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our Cherry Hill, New Jersey offices serve clients throughout Haddonfield, Marlton, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and South Jersey.
