What to Do When CPS/DCFS Knocks on Your Door in Los Angeles: A Parent’s Guide

When Child Protective Services (CPS) or the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) shows up at your door, panic often takes over. Parents in this situation fear the worst: the possibility of losing their children. If you are facing a CPS home visit in Los Angeles, the most important thing to know is that you do not have to face this alone. As an experienced CPS attorney in Los Angeles, I help parents protect their rights and navigate these high-stakes investigations every day.

The Initial Contact: Do I Have to Let Them In?

One of the most urgent questions parents ask is: Do I have to let CPS into my house?

The law is clear: unless a social worker has a court order (warrant) or there are emergency circumstances, you are not required to allow them into your home. A “home visit” does not give DCFS unlimited authority. In fact, under the Fourth Amendment, you have the right to protect your home from warrantless searches.

What you should do:

• Stay calm and polite.
• Ask to see identification.
• State clearly: “I do not consent to entry without a warrant.”
• Do not answer questions without first speaking to your juvenile dependency lawyer in Los Angeles.

👉 The very first step you should take when CPS/DCFS knocks is to contact a Los Angeles CPS defense lawyer immediately. Early legal representation can make the difference between keeping your family intact and facing child removal.

What to Say (and Not Say) to a Social Worker

Parents often feel tempted to explain themselves. This is a mistake. Anything you say can be documented and used against you in dependency court hearings.

Protect yourself with a simple script:

• “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
• “I will not answer any questions without my attorney present.”
• “Here is my attorney’s contact information.”

Avoid defending yourself on the spot or trying to “clear up” allegations. Whether the concern involves neglect, discipline, or substance use, even innocent remarks can be misinterpreted. Instead, let your DCFS attorney in Los Angeles handle communications.

Understanding a DCFS Investigation in Los Angeles County

DCFS investigations usually begin with a report alleging child abuse or neglect under California Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) § 300. Once a referral is made, DCFS must determine whether the allegations are credible. The process includes:

1. Initial contact/home visit
2. Interviews (with the parent, child, teachers, or others)
3. Risk assessment
4. Decision on whether to close the case, provide voluntary services, or initiate court proceedings

The investigation can last up to 30 days, though emergencies may accelerate the timeline. During this period, it is critical to have a juvenile dependency lawyer in Los Angeles advising you on every step.

What Happens If My Child Is Removed?

For many parents, the biggest fear is: Can CPS take my child?

If DCFS believes a child is in immediate danger, they may remove the child from the home. However, this action triggers a detention hearing, usually within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). At this hearing, the judge decides whether the child remains in foster care or is returned home.

This is the most critical stage of the process. The court’s decision can have long-term consequences for your parental rights. Having an experienced CPS defense lawyer in Los Angeles County at your side can make the difference between reunification and prolonged separation.

Why You Need an Experienced Los Angeles CPS Attorney

A DCFS investigation is overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. An experienced CPS attorney in Los Angeles will:

• Protect your constitutional and parental rights
• Communicate with DCFS on your behalf
• Prepare you for court appearances
• Fight for your child’s return if removal occurs

While public agencies like Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers (LADL) may provide representation in some cases, hiring a private juvenile dependency lawyer ensures you receive immediate, personalized attention focused solely on protecting your family.

Final Call to Action

If DCFS or CPS has contacted you, do not wait. Every hour counts. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a CPS lawyer in Los Angeles. We will explain your rights, guide you through the process, and fight to protect your child and your future.