Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in California

The question you must be ready to answer is: why would CPS want to take your son? The dependency process can be very trying. It can last for 6-18 months. You should try to fight allegations that CPS might be bringing that would justify them asking for a court order to remove the child from you. This is called a detention hearing. That allows CPS to take with minimal proof that harm would result if he was not taken. The next step, once they have your son, is to seek jurisdiction over the matter. This requires a more details proof. At this stage they also determine the proper disposition as to where the child should go and what actions need to be undertaken to get him back. It can get emotional and complicated.