Category: Child Endangerment
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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 A recent unpublished Michigan Court of Appeals decision highlights the importance of those rights and the legal obligations of the courts and DHHS to protect them.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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Can CPS Interview My Child at School in Michigan? What Parents Need to Know
If you’re a parent in Michigan and Child Protective Services (CPS) is involved with your family, you may wonder whether CPS can speak to your child at school without your knowledge or consent. The answer is: it depends. Michigan law allows specific exceptions for when CPS can interview your child at school. When Can CPS…
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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 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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Involving Your Kids in Criminal Activity Might Cost You Your Parenting Rights in Michigan!
The idea of involving your children in criminal activity might sound strange to many parents, but believe it or not it happens. And some parents don’t even realize that what they’re doing is wrong, and could cost them their families! Teaching a child to slip a pair of earrings you can’t afford into their underwear…
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Running From The Cops With Your Kids in The Car is a Bad Idea!
A deputy from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department noticed a vehicle driving with a broken headlight near Three Rivers. ‘Fix it’ tickets are pretty routine, and the officer tried to pull the car over to let the driver know they had a headlight out. But the driver had other ideas. Instead of stopping, the…
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Will I Lose my Kids if I Drive With Them After a Few Drinks?
Picture this: You’re at a friend’s wedding with your family. Everyone’s having a great time, dressed to the nines and dancing. The food is delicious, the booze is flowing and everyone’s celebrating. All in all, the evening was wonderful, and when it’s time to head home you’re tired but happy. You load the kids into…
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Giving Birth to an Unwanted Baby? There Are Ways to Avoid CPS! (Part 2)
Welcome back and thanks for joining us. In the previous post we talked about the reasons for Michigan’s Safe Haven law, and how it benefits everyone involved. In this post we’d like to share with you info about what’s involved in surrendering a newborn safely to the authorities. For new moms, the idea of just…
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All I Want For Christmas is… a Visit From CPS?
For some folks, the Christmas season means decorating the tree, getting together with family, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Or at least, that’s what they hope it means. But reality is often nothing like our expectations. So for some people, this holiday season will mean unplanned interactions with CPS workers. And for an unlucky…