Relative Placement in Los Angeles County CPS Cases

Helping Families Stay Together During DCFS Investigations and Juvenile Dependency Cases

When the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) removes a child from their home in Los Angeles County, the court may allow the child to be placed with a relative or close family friend instead of placing them in foster care. This is called a relative placement, and it plays a critical role in keeping children connected to their family, culture, and community during a difficult time.

If you are a parent or relative involved in a DCFS case in Los Angeles, it’s important to understand your rights and the process for securing a family-based placement. Our experienced Los Angeles juvenile dependency attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.

What Is a Relative Placement?

A relative placement means that instead of placing a child with strangers in the foster system, the court approves a placement with a qualified relative or non-relative extended family member (NREFM). This can include:

• Grandparents
• Aunts and uncles
• Adult siblings
• Cousins
• Godparents
• Close family friends

California law gives preference to relatives when children are removed from their home, as long as the placement is safe and stable. DCFS is legally required to conduct a home assessment and background check before approving a relative for placement.

How to Request a Relative Placement in Los Angeles County

If your grandchild, niece, nephew, or other young family member has been removed by DCFS, you must act quickly to request placement. The process typically involves:

1. Informing DCFS that you are interested in having the child placed with you
2. Completing a background check and providing fingerprints
3. Allowing a home inspection to ensure the environment is safe
4. Participating in the Relative Assessment process
5. Appearing in court if necessary to show your interest and qualifications

We help relatives navigate this process and advocate for placement with family as early as possible in the case.

Benefits of Relative Placement

Courts recognize that children do best when they remain connected to family. Relative placement offers important emotional and practical benefits, including:

• Preserving cultural and community ties
• Allowing regular contact with siblings and parents
• Reducing trauma and disruption
• Supporting eventual reunification with parents

Our legal team works to make sure courts and DCFS honor these priorities and give your family every opportunity to stay together.

Challenges with Relative Placement in Los Angeles

While California law favors relative placement, DCFS does not always act quickly. Sometimes relatives are overlooked, discouraged from applying, or denied due to technicalities or concerns that can be resolved with proper legal support.

Our Los Angeles CPS attorneys can:

• Advocate for your right to be considered for placement
• Appeal DCFS decisions denying placement
• Represent you at hearings to fight for your role in the child’s life
• Help clear up background check issues or housing concerns
• Push for faster processing of your assessment

Contact Us for Help with Relative Placement in Los Angeles County

Whether you’re a parent trying to keep your child with family, or a relative seeking to step in and help, we are here to support you. Our attorneys have deep experience with DCFS procedures and juvenile dependency courts throughout Los Angeles County.

We serve families across the region, including in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pomona, Pasadena, Inglewood, Glendale, Lancaster, and surrounding areas.

Call today for a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Los Angeles juvenile dependency lawyer. Let us help you fight for relative placement and keep your family together.