When San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) contacts your family, it is natural to have questions. Many parents have never dealt with Child Protective Services before and are unsure whether they should speak with a social worker, allow interviews, or wait until a court case is filed before contacting an attorney.

The decisions you make during the first hours of a CPS investigation can have lasting consequences. Understanding the juvenile dependency process, your legal rights, and what to expect from Children and Family Services can help you make informed decisions while protecting your family.

To help parents throughout San Bernardino County, Attorney Mohammad Abuershaid regularly publishes educational videos answering many of the questions he hears during consultations. These short videos explain important legal concepts in plain English and provide practical guidance for families facing CPS investigations.

Should I Hire a Lawyer Before CPS Files a Court Case?

One of the most common misconceptions is that parents should wait until Children and Family Services files a juvenile dependency petition before speaking with an attorney.

In reality, many of the most important decisions occur long before anyone enters a courtroom. Social worker interviews, home visits, safety plans, medical record reviews, and witness interviews often shape the direction of the investigation. Understanding your rights early may help you avoid common mistakes and prepare for every stage of the process.

▶ Watch: Should I Hire a Lawyer During a CPS Investigation?
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2lxVXWm6isw

When Is the Right Time to Call a CPS Attorney?

Parents often ask whether they should wait until they receive court papers or whether they should seek legal advice immediately after learning CPS has become involved.

Every investigation is different, but obtaining legal guidance early allows families to understand the allegations, prepare for interviews, preserve important evidence, and become familiar with California’s juvenile dependency process before critical decisions are made.

▶ Watch: When Should I Contact a CPS Defense Attorney?
https://youtube.com/shorts/7rUDqYZQcKs?si=LD2EKbA35PEDEqb6

Can CPS Interview My Child Without Me Present?

Parents are frequently surprised when they learn that Children and Family Services may seek to interview their child during an investigation.

Whether, when, and where those interviews occur depends upon the circumstances of the investigation and the applicable legal authority. Understanding how child interviews fit into a CPS investigation can help parents better understand what to expect.

▶ Watch: Can CPS Interview My Child Without Me Present?
https://youtube.com/shorts/X8vGYDF8Njk?si=VT_vZ33NKoAkOOMk

Will CPS Tell Me Who Reported My Family?

One of the first questions many parents ask is whether they have the right to know who contacted CPS.

California law generally protects the confidentiality of child abuse reports in many circumstances. As a result, parents are often unable to learn the identity of the individual who made the report, even after the investigation begins.

▶ Watch: Can CPS Tell You Who Reported You?
https://youtube.com/shorts/ICKfGdRYvcw?si=LkSJZLt9DPyE0-Fx

Can a Social Worker Enter My Home Without Permission?

Home visits are a routine part of many CPS investigations, but parents are often uncertain about what authority social workers have when they arrive at the door.

Questions involving consent, search authority, and home inspections depend on the specific facts of the investigation. Knowing the difference between a voluntary request and a legal requirement is important before making decisions that may affect your case.

▶ Watch: Can CPS Enter My Home Without Permission?
https://youtube.com/shorts/D5HTYwv9M9U?si=a-XmZ7-g9ZvEI9a1

What Should I Do If CPS Shows Up at My Door?

Few experiences are more stressful than an unexpected knock on the door from Children and Family Services.

The first conversation with a social worker often shapes the course of the investigation. Remaining calm, understanding why the agency is there, and making informed decisions can help parents protect their rights while responding appropriately to the investigation.

▶ Watch: What Should I Do If CPS Shows Up at My Door?
https://youtube.com/shorts/tXlIgTkrg34?si=kSWr4P2IVzTEu69S

Why These Questions Matter

Every CPS investigation is different. Some investigations are closed without court involvement, while others result in juvenile dependency petitions filed under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300. Understanding your rights before making important decisions can help you prepare for interviews, court hearings, and interactions with Children and Family Services.

Attorney Mohammad Abuershaid represents parents throughout San Bernardino County in juvenile dependency proceedings involving allegations of neglect, physical abuse, medical neglect, failure to protect, domestic violence, substance abuse, and other CPS matters. Through these educational videos, he provides families with practical information about California’s dependency system and answers many of the questions parents ask during consultations.

Continue Learning About California CPS Cases

The ALL Trial Lawyers YouTube channel continues to grow with new videos covering topics including:

• Juvenile dependency hearings.
• Child removals.
• Relative placement.
• Reunification services.
• Emergency detention hearings.
• Parents’ legal rights during CPS investigations.
• Common mistakes families should avoid.
• California juvenile dependency law and procedure.

Whether you have just received a call from San Bernardino County Children and Family Services or your case is already pending in Juvenile Court, these videos are designed to help you better understand the legal process and what to expect at each stage of your case.

Visit our YouTube channel regularly for new educational content, and subscribe to receive updates as additional videos are released. At ALL Trial Lawyers, we believe that informed parents are better equipped to protect their rights, advocate for their children, and confidently navigate California’s juvenile dependency system.