Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio
Legal rights of Child Protective Services
CPS ordered removal of my 6 year old daughter from my home. CPS said I beat her with a wooden paddle for wetting herself and refusing to clean her room. They said I am mentally unstable and a threat to her. What had happened was I gave her 3 quick swats on the behind with a small plastic paddle (she laughed at me) for being severely abusive to a 3 year old playmate who was at our home. CPS called me on the phone to tell me she was going to be removed then it took them over 3 hours to take her from my home. If I am so dangerous why did they call instead of just come over, why was I left alone with her for over 3 hours, and why are they accusing me of doing things they didn't see or even hear about from my daughter? I have begged for help with her for over 4 years and the help I do get doesn't seem to phase her any. CPS is suppose to help me with her not take her from me and lie to the courts. I have no clue as to where my child is - "in a safe place away from your home" is what I get told. Do I have no rights just because they are CPS? Yes I did read post ? # 52. Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Legal rights of Child Protective Services
I don't know what post # 52 is. In any event, your child is probably in a foster home and they don't generally release the address. They have to hold a shelter care hearing very shortly after the child is placed (if by emergency order) and you are entitled to have a lawyer appointed. It's hard to know exactly what they have in the way of information or proof, but any attorney representing you should be able to access that info. At this point I have no idea where the procedings are at, so it's a little difficult to get more specific.