Child Protection Attorney in Elk River

Child protection is its own beast. Usually, child protection cases are initiated as a result of a report of a child being need of protection or services. Human Services for the child’s county of residence does an investigation that can lead to different outcomes. The investigation can end with no services being offered and the matter being closed. On the other end of the spectrum is a full-blown child protection (CHIPS) case that starts with the child being removed from parent’s home.

The stated goal of any child protection is reunification with the custodial parent. To achieve this goal, the County works with the family to provide services to correct the condition that led to the out-of-home placement of the child.

As part of any CHIPS case, the parents have the right to deny the allegations and have a court trial. At that court trial, the County has the burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the child is in need of protection or services. If a child is found to be in need of protection or services, the parents are required to work a case plan with the County to correct the offending conditions.

Child Protection is different from family law. There are different burdens of proof, different parties involved, statutory timelines, and a host of other considerations that are unique to this area of law. If you are facing a CHIPS case, you need an attorney that is familiar and practiced specifically in child protection.

Call us at (763) 445-2464 for a free consultation.