In the State of New Jersey, adults who suspect child abuse are legally required to report it.  Reports may be made anonymously.  The investigating agency is the Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P). The process of investigation can be stressful and confusing for parents, so it is a good idea to retain an attorney to serve as your advocate and sounding board, whether you privately believe the charges are true or false.

Parenting is challenging, and children do not come with a set of instructions. While the law gives parents latitude in child-rearing decisions, parents must meet their children’s basic needs for food, clothing, education, housing, and medical care. Children also have the right to live free from physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, and not to have their emotional or financial needs badly neglected.

If someone files a charge of child abuse against you, and the intake process determines there are reasonable grounds to investigate further, then a DCP&P investigator will be dispatched to assess the accuracy of the charges. It is best to cooperate with the investigator, and to call your attorney as soon as possible.

Unless the children are in clear and present danger, the goal of DCP&P involvement is to help parents be more effective in their parenting. During an investigation, the DCP&P investigator speaks to all of the children and adults living in the household. Parents should be honest with investigators and must not interfere in the investigative process, including by covering up offenses, manipulating witnesses, or coaching children.

The DCP&P investigative  process can be confusing, intimidating, and anxiety producing for anyone under examination.  Your attorney will keep you calm and answer your questions clearly and appropriately.

If there is abuse or neglect found present in the home, and children are deemed to be in immediate danger, then the investigator has the right to bring in law enforcement. Should that be necessary, your attorney will protect your rights at every step.

At Hanan M. Isaacs, P.C., we know how intimidating the State of New Jersey child investigative process can be. We will advocate for your rights with compassion and skill to keep you and your children as safe and united as possible. If you or someone you love may be under investigation for child abuse or neglect or face legal difficulties from a relationship turned sour, please call our family law attorneys at 609-683-7400 or contact us online immediately.  You will be glad you did.