The New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) is responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. When necessary, it arranges for the child's protection and the family's treatment regarding issues related to the abuse.
Because the safety of children is its highest priority, even allegations or suspicions of abuse can lead to the removal of a child from a parent's custody. Since child removal can be temporary, or even permanent, it is important that parents act quickly to protect their rights if a DYFS investigation is imminent or underway.
New Brunswick Child Protection Attorney
The Law Offices of Veronica R. Norgaard, LLC, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, provides that protection. Its goal is to keep families together whenever possible.
The firm's lead attorney, Veronica Norgaard, has years of experience in representing clients before the DYFS in situations in which physical assault, sexual assault, alcohol abuse or drug abuse has been alleged. She can work to refute the allegations against any parent, represent his or her circumstances in a favorable light and seek the best outcome possible, whether it involves:
- Retaining custody of the child
- Establishing a kinship legal guardianship, by which the child can stay with a relative temporarily or permanently, depending on circumstances
- Avoiding foster care
- Restoring custody of the child after the completion of a court-ordered sentence or rehabilitation
Further, attorney Norgaard can work to secure the counseling, parenting skills classes, substance abuse treatment and other services that can help parents avoid the termination of parental rights and regain access to their children. Although the firm works within the system to secure these rights, it fights in court for parental rights when required.
New Jersey DYFS Litigation Attorney
In some cases, it is not possible for a child to return to a parent's home. In such cases, The Law Offices of Veronica R. Norgaard can work to give parents as much control as possible over their situations. For instance, the firm can seek visitation privileges as part of a kinship legal guardianship.
Time is always of the essence in DYFS matters. Once the agency takes a child, there is a child abuse and neglect proceeding. After this, the parent has only one year to resolve the issue. If the issue is not resolved, the agency has the power to terminate a parent's rights.
At this point, a parent can still fight to regain his or her parenting rights, but it becomes an uphill battle.
Contact The Law Offices of Veronica R. Norgaard | 732-226-7619
Ms. Norgaard builds cases to refute allegations against parents. She meets with all of her clients to discuss their circumstances, their expectations and to help them understand their best options to defend themselves and the interests of their families.
For more information or a free initial consultation with a lawyer, contact the firm online or call 732-226-7619.
