Child Welfare
Get information about what happens if Child Protective Services (CPS) contacts your family, your rights, and the step-by-step process of navigating a CPS case.
What Happens if CPS Contacts My Family in Virginia?
Read more about why CPS may contact your family and what happens after a report is made.
Your Rights When CPS First Contacts You in Virginia
Read more about your rights when CPS first contacts you in Virginia, including home visits, interviews, safety plans, recordings, and when to speak with a lawyer.
CPS Family Assessments and Investigations
Read more about the difference between CPS family assessments and investigations in Virginia, what CPS can ask of you, possible outcomes, and your rights during the process.
Emergency Removal: What Happens if CPS Takes My Child?
Read more about what happens after CPS removes a child in Virginia, including emergency hearings, your legal rights, visitation, and steps you can take to bring your child home.
Working With Your Court-Appointed Lawyer in a CPS Case
Read more about what your court-appointed lawyer should do in a Virginia CPS case, how to work with them effectively, and what steps you can take if they are not communicating or advocating for you.
The Court Process in a Virginia CPS Case
Read more about the stages of a Virginia CPS court case and your rights throughout the process.
Kinship Care and Placement Options in Virginia CPS Cases
Read more about kinship care options in Virginia CPS cases, including safety plans, foster care with relatives, and your rights when choosing who cares for your child