Defending Clients in Washington Against the Government
Get a strong Vancouver advocate on your side
Child Protective Services (CPS) is the state’s investigative agency in cases of child abuse or neglect cases. CPS is staffed with many dedicated professionals who perform a difficult and necessary role in the protection of children. However, CPS is understaffed, overworked, and prone to rushed judgments and this often results in a very high rate of error in their decision making. The people who pay for these mistakes are the children themselves and the parents and professionals who care for the children.
CPS actions are to be taken very seriously as they often result in removal of children from the home and criminal charges. Statements you may make to a caseworker or counselor can and will be used against you in any criminal proceeding and they are not required to read you your rights. Expressions of support for a spouse who is suspect of abuse or neglect will most often result in the removal of the children on a theory that the supportive spouse “will fail to protect” the children.
Don’t hesitate –
Fighting CPS means fighting an automatic negative bias against you. If you are contacted by CPS in Washington, don’t hesitate to get experienced legal counsel on your side. Having an experienced attorney by your side as you engage CPS caseworkers in an unforgiving system is critical. Spencer Law PLLC has experience handling these cases. From start to finish, I examine the circumstances of your case and work with you to secure the best outcome possible for you and your children.
Call 360-787-2424 or contact me online to schedule a case evaluation. My office is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver. Spencer Law PLLC – ready, willing and able to help.
What others say about Clayton Spencer
You have no idea how much I appreciated the kindness, patience, and above all the love you showed me during the last five months. I could not have coped through this nightmare without you. Thank you! I also wanted to let you know how grateful I am to have had you in my corner during this ordeal. It means a lot to me to have had someone (so amazingly talented and competent) who I had complete trust in handling the most difficult event of my life. Once again my most sincere thank you! – Judith D., Vancouver, June 2017
Read more testimonials here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can happen from a CPS report? In addition to criminal charges, the state has two principle courses of action in cases of suspected abuse or neglect on children. If it is believed that a parent has abused or neglected a child, the state can remove the children from a parent’s care under petition a court for an order of “dependency” – an order which means that there is no fit parent available to care for the child and the child becomes a “ward” of the state. Children can be placed with a relative or in the foster care system. If it is believed that a caregiver (day care provider, foster parent, camp counselor, etc.) or other professional responsible for a child (e.g., teacher) has committed abuse or neglect against a child, the state can commence administrative proceedings to suspend or terminate the professional license of the professional.
