Get Help Now

Call or email for a confidential consultation

Grounds for Removing a Child

attention disclaimer icon Attention:

If you do not have an active case with CPS, we unfortunately cannot help and kindly request you do not call our law offices.

A situation that involves Child Protective Services (CPS) raises concerns about a child’s safety and well-being. Even more disturbing is when the government determines what it believes are grounds for removing a child from their home. This can create a devastating shakeup in a family, which is why you need a compassionate and experienced attorney.

At Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC, a Pittsburgh CPS attorney will help you navigate the complexities of CPS investigations. We are diligent legal professionals and are dedicated to helping families through tough times.

Call (412) 471-5100 to learn how Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC can help you.

What is CPS?

In Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees the Office of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) to protect children suffering abuse and neglect. DHS is required to remove a child from his/her home if his/her safety is in jeopardy. Any person may file a report of suspected abuse with CYF at any time and this may lead to a more extensive CPS investigation led by a CPS caseworker.

Grounds for Removing a Child

The court may decide to issue an order to remove a child from their home if a judge believes doing so would safeguard him/her. Either a law enforcement officer or an officer of the court, e.g., a CPS caseworker, may also remove a child in an emergency situation if the child is suffering either illness or injury and/or faces imminent danger, e.g., physical and/or sexual abuse, because of their environment. In addition, either a law enforcement officer or an officer of the court may find that a child’s decision to run away creates grounds for removing a child from his/her home.

An emergency removal that occurs without a court order does not negate the need to attain a court order. The court must review any such emergency removal as soon as possible after it takes place. A child may be returned home if the court fails to hold this hearing within a few days of the removal.

A child who is removed may be temporarily placed either in a foster home or with relatives. Making the removal period more long-term requires a CPS caseworker to provide sufficient evidence that removing a child from their home is necessary and mandates government intervention. CPS must prove the validity of present and immediate threats to explain why removal was necessary.

Contact Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC to Help

You need a caring and knowledgeable attorney if CPS determined grounds for removing a child from your home. Pittsburgh CPS attorney Anthony Piccirilli of Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC will listen to you and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Contact (412) 471-5100 to schedule a consultation.