New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services gets a new name

February 23, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Division of Youth and Family Services in New Jersey - previously known as DYFS - recently underwent a change in its official name. Going forward, the state agency will be known as the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or simply DCP&P.

Unfortunately for those who have experienced frustration dealing with this agency in the past - for instance, those falsely investigated for child abuse - the recent name change will likely not significantly impact the substantial powers afforded to this New Jersey agency.

New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency

According to New Jersey's Department of Children and Families, the mission of DCP&P is to "ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children." This agency is charged with accomplishing this mission by investigating allegations of child neglect or abuse, and arranging for a child's protection if needed.

And while protecting children is an admirable mission everyone can support, there are countless New Jersey parents who have encountered the seemingly never-ending procedural roadblocks and frustrations that often come with dealing with DCP&P - or its predecessor DYFS.

Moreover, many New Jersey parents find themselves feeling powerless when they are pitted against the vast powers utilized by the agents of DCP&P. For instance, DCP&P has the limited ability to enter a person's home without a search warrant or even sufficient probable cause that would be necessary in criminal situations.

If someone simply notifies DCP&P of supposedly "suspicious" activity, the agency can possibly enter a person's home and take his or her children - which is especially frightening for parents given that it is possible for children to be taken away in situations when the anonymous allegations are ultimately proven to be false.

It is important for New Jersey parents to know that they do have a right to appeal DCP&P findings if the agency determines abuse or neglect occurred. Depending on the circumstances, the appeal can progress in two different ways. For example, if the child has not been removed from the parent's custody, the appeal will likely be argued before an Administrative Law Judge; however, if the child has been removed from a parent's custody, the appeal will be heard in Superior Court.

Unfortunately, there is limited time in which to appeal a DCP&P finding, meaning it is imperative to contact an experienced DCP&P defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. An experienced DCP&P defense attorney can help defend against child abuse charges by collecting important evidence and providing knowledgeable advice.

Article provided by Maynard & Sumner, LLC
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