ACS and CPS are governmental run agencies. They are charged with investigating reports involving allegations of child neglect and child abuse. The investigators for ACS and CPS are assigned cases where reports of abuse or neglect have been made. When a report has been made the investigators open a case which involves investigating family members of the children regarding the allegations of child abuse or child neglect. If the investigator reaches a conclusion there is enough potential evidence to ask a court to be involved family members will be subject to court proceedings in the Family Court or possibly in the Criminal Court.
Reports To ACS and CPS
Individuals who report allegations of child abuse and child neglect to CPS or ACS do this without disclosing who they are or how they obtained the information involving the allegations. The allegations against the parents or other family members may involve emotional, mental, physical or sexual abuse. The allegations also may be completely made up. They also may involve issues concerning parents neglecting their children. ACS and CPS take a very active position that all types of child neglect and child abuse are detrimental to the health and general welfare of children. ACS and CPS will investigate virtually every allegation of child abuse or child neglect even if the allegations are outrageous, ridiculous, patently untrue or illogical.
The Investigations
Upon allegations being made, the CPS or ACS investigator will come to the family home, unannounced. Investigators will seek to interview the parents and anyone else in the household. They will also seek to investigate the children individually without a parent or guardian being present.
No Consent Requested To Interview Children
Be advised ACS and CPS can show up at your children school, without your consent, to interview them. The stated goal of ACS and CPS investigations is to make sure that our children are safe. With this in mind, they presume the allegations against parents and other family members are true and they seek during their investigation to find evidence to prove the truthfulness of the allegations.
Elliot S. Schlissel, Esq. is the managing partner of Schlissel DeCorpo LLP. He has been practicing law for 42 years. Elliot, his partner Nathan DeCorpo, and their associates represent individuals in child abuse and child neglect investigations throughout the Metropolitan New York area. The law firm has been involved in handling these cases for more than 45 years. Elliot, Nathan and their associates have extensive experience dealing with scores of cases and successfully defending their clients regarding allegations of child abuse and child neglect. Elliot and Nathan can be reached at 800-344-6431 or e-mail Elliot at Elliot@sdnylaw.com or Nathan at Ndecorpo@sdnylaw.com.
