Author: Mohammad “Mo” Abuershaid, Founding Partner, ALL Trial Lawyers | California Bar No. 297270 | Juvenile Dependency Defense Attorney
Reviewed: July 25, 2026 | Practicing in California since 2014

If Child Protective Services (CPS) or San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) contacts you, one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing an attorney who regularly practices juvenile dependency law. Dependency cases move quickly, often beginning with emergency investigations and court hearings within days. Having experienced legal guidance from the outset can help you understand your rights, your responsibilities, and what to expect.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Who Focuses on Juvenile Dependency Cases?

Juvenile dependency law is different from family law and criminal law. These cases are governed primarily by California’s Welfare and Institutions Code and are heard in the Juvenile Division of the Superior Court.

A lawyer who regularly represents parents in dependency proceedings understands the unique procedures, strict timelines, and legal standards that apply when the government alleges a child has been abused, neglected, or is otherwise described under Welfare and Institutions Code § 300.

Mohammad “Mo” Abuershaid is a former Orange County Deputy Public Defender whose practice focuses on juvenile dependency matters, CPS investigations, and cases involving both dependency and criminal allegations throughout Southern California.

What Does San Bernardino County Children and Family Services Do?

In San Bernardino County, allegations of child abuse or neglect are investigated by San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS).

When CFS receives a report, a social worker may:

• Contact you by telephone.
• Visit your home.
• Interview your child.
• Speak with teachers, doctors, or other individuals.
• Determine whether court intervention is necessary.

Not every investigation results in a court case. However, when CFS believes a child may be at substantial risk of harm under Welfare and Institutions Code § 300, it may ask the Juvenile Court to become involved.

What Should I Do If CFS Contacts Me?

Your first response matters.

If a CFS social worker contacts you:

• Stay calm and remain respectful.
• Ask for the social worker’s full name.
• Obtain their telephone number and office location.
• Ask why CFS is investigating.
• Keep copies of any paperwork you receive.
• Before signing documents or participating in detailed interviews, consider speaking with an attorney about your particular circumstances.

Every investigation is different. Early legal advice can help you understand your options before important decisions are made.

What Happens After a CFS Investigation Begins?

If CFS believes court involvement is necessary, it may file a juvenile dependency petition alleging that a child falls within Welfare and Institutions Code § 300.

The dependency process generally includes several hearings.

Each hearing addresses different legal issues. Understanding the purpose of each stage can help parents prepare for what lies ahead.

What Does the Juvenile Court Decide?

The Juvenile Court does not decide whether someone is guilty of a crime.

Instead, the court considers questions such as:

• Whether the child is described by Welfare and Institutions Code § 300.
• Whether removal from the home is legally justified.
• Whether reunification services should be ordered.
• What placement is in the child’s best interests.
• Whether continued court supervision is necessary.

The burden of proof depends on the stage of the proceedings. Different hearings require different legal standards under the Welfare and Institutions Code.

What Should I Do During the First 48 Hours?

If CFS has contacted your family, consider taking the following steps:

1. Save all letters, emails, text messages, and paperwork.
2. Write down the names of every CFS employee involved.
3. Preserve photographs, medical records, or other documents that may relate to the allegations.
4. Avoid deleting electronic communications.
5. Speak with an attorney before making significant legal decisions whenever possible.

Being organized early in the process can help you respond effectively if the matter proceeds to court.

Which Court Handles Dependency Cases in San Bernardino County?

Juvenile dependency matters in San Bernardino County are generally heard in the San Bernardino County Superior Court, Juvenile Division.

Court procedures, scheduling practices, and local administrative rules may differ from those used in neighboring counties such as Orange, Los Angeles, or Riverside. Although California dependency law is governed by statewide statutes, local practices can vary.

Because local procedures may change, parents should consult the current local rules of the San Bernardino County Superior Court or speak with an attorney familiar with dependency proceedings in the county.

What Laws Govern Dependency Cases in California?

California juvenile dependency proceedings are governed primarily by the Welfare and Institutions Code, including:

• Welfare and Institutions Code § 300
• Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 306 and 309
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 319
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 355
• Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 358 and 361
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 361.5
• Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 366.21 and 366.22
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 366.26

The California Rules of Court also establish procedures governing juvenile dependency proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I speak with CFS immediately?

Every case is unique. Before participating in detailed interviews or making important decisions, many parents choose to understand the legal process and seek advice regarding their individual circumstances.

Can dependency and criminal cases happen at the same time?

Yes. Allegations investigated by CFS may also be investigated by law enforcement. These are separate legal proceedings, although information developed in one matter may affect the other.

Is Juvenile Court the same as Family Court?

No. Juvenile dependency proceedings address allegations involving abuse, neglect, or risk of harm under the Welfare and Institutions Code. Family Court generally addresses divorce, custody, visitation, and related family disputes.

Next Steps

If San Bernardino County Children and Family Services has contacted your family, learning about the dependency process early can help you make informed decisions. Understanding your rights, the applicable court procedures, and the stages of a dependency case may help you prepare for what comes next.

To learn more about juvenile dependency representation in California, visit https://alltriallawyers.com/.

About the Author

Mohammad “Mo” Abuershaid is the Founding Partner of ALL Trial Lawyers and has been licensed to practice law in California since 2014 (California Bar No. 297270). A former Deputy Public Defender for Orange County, he represents parents in juvenile dependency matters and related proceedings throughout Southern California. His practice focuses on protecting the rights of families involved in CPS and dependency court cases.

QA Review

VERIFY

• Confirm the specific San Bernardino County Juvenile Court location(s) that should be referenced for SEO on the target page.
• Verify current San Bernardino County Superior Court Local Rules governing juvenile dependency proceedings.
• Verify any current administrative procedures used by San Bernardino County Children and Family Services before publication.

NEEDS ATTORNEY INPUT

• Common issues Mr. Abuershaid has personally observed in San Bernardino County CFS investigations.
• Local practice observations regarding detention hearings, reunification services, or recurring procedural issues.
• Practical guidance based on Mr. Abuershaid’s firsthand experience representing parents in San Bernardino County.

Authorities Cited

• Welfare and Institutions Code § 300
• Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 306, 309
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 319
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 355
• Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 358, 361
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 361.5
• Welfare and Institutions Code §§ 366.21, 366.22
• Welfare and Institutions Code § 366.26