Category: Child Abuse
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Incarcerated Parents Still Have Rights: What the Marcusse Case Tells Us About MCR 2.004 in Michigan Child Welfare Law
When a parent is incarcerated during a child protective proceeding, Michigan law requires that they still be allowed the right to participate in the process. A recent unpublished Michigan Court of Appeals decision highlights the importance of those rights and the legal obligations of the courts and DHHS to protect them. In In re Marcusse…
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What to Expect During a CPS Home Visit in Michigan
If a report has been made against you to Michigan Child Protective Services (CPS), it’s normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed. A CPS investigation can be incredibly intrusive and emotionally draining, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. When there is a report of child abuse or neglect, Michigan CPS normally begins an investigation…
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Understanding the CPS Investigation Process in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is responsible for opening a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation when a report of child abuse or neglect is made. CPS will only open an investigation if the report includes an allegation of actual abuse or neglect, not suspected. For example, if someone makes a report…
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Understanding Your Rights During a CPS Investigation in Michigan
Becoming the subject of a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation can be very overwhelming for families. Knowing the process of a CPS investigation, what your rights are, and what you should do during an investigation can help ease the stress and could make a substantial difference in the outcome of the investigation. What Does CPS…
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What Michigan Judges Consider at a Termination of Parental Rights Hearing: A Guide for Families in Lansing and Surrounding Counties
When a termination of parental rights (TPR) hearing takes place in a Michigan court, the judge’s decision can permanently sever the legal rights of a parent to their child. In places like Lansing, and across Mid-Michigan, these hearings are not taken lightly. Judges weigh numerous factors based on the best interests of the child when…
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Defending Against CPS Allegations of Shaken Baby Syndrome: Insights from the Michigan Supreme Court – People v. Lemons
Children’s Protective Services (CPS) cases can be extremely stressful and have life altering consequences for parents. When allegations of child abuse, such as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), arise, the stakes are even higher. The Michigan Supreme Court case, People v. Lemons, provides valuable insights into defending against CPS allegations and accusations. This blog explores key…
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Empowering Michigan Families: The Need for Enhanced Education in Caregiver Rights Legislation
Here in Michigan, the well-being of children and the rights of parents and guardians are of utmost importance to all of us. As with other states, Michigan has legislation to address child abuse and neglect, influenced by federal funding mandates. This legislation must balance the state’s interest in child safety with Constitutionally mandated respect for…
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The Movement to Quickly Report Child Abuse … Are There Downsides?
Here in Michigan and nationally, there have been increased measures taken to protect children from neglect and abuse. Keeping children safe is of course a priority, but there is one growing consequence of this movement – falsely accused parents. Our team of experienced CPS defense attorneys sees increasing numbers of false accusations of child abuse…
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Experts Say Child Abuse Was Severly Undereported During The Pandemic
You’ve probably heard this before – certainly if you follow our blog – that certain crimes were very likely underreported during the pandemic. Many experts believe that domestic violence and child abuse and neglect, all crimes whose numbers dropped significantly on paper, were not in fact down, but rather just not being accurately reported during…
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Calls to CPS Have Dropped. But is it Under-reporting? Or Fewer Abuse Cases?
The CPS hotline is usually a very busy one. With calls coming in by the hundreds every week from teachers, neighbors, family members, medical professionals and police, CPS workers are constantly being notified about new possible cases of child abuse and neglect. But who do the majority of the calls come in from? This may…