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What Occurs in San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency California Court?
The CPS Process Step by Step and What Parents Can Expect
If you’re dealing with Child Protective Services (CPS) in your family’s life in San Bernardino County or any county you may be down right afraid of losing your child and you should be, afraid. At ALL Trial Lawyers, we get it. Our managing attorney, Mohammad Abuershaid, has taken on hundreds of parents in the throes of CPS investigations and dependency petitions all across Southern California, including here in San Bernardino.
This post will detail What Happens in San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Court, explain How CPS Process Works, and provide you with an understanding of What You Need to Do to Protect Yourself and your family.
What Is Juvenile Dependency Court?
Juvenile dependency court is a court in California that specializes in cases in which a child has been removed, or is in grave danger of being removed, from a parent’s custody because of allegations of abuse, neglect or endangerment. Here in San Bernardino County, these typically kick off when CPS (aka DCFS -Department of Children and Family Services) files a WIC 300 Petition.
If CPS believes your child is unsafe in your care, you may receive notice to appear at the San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Court, located at:
📍 San Bernardino Justice Center
247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415
What Juvenile Dependency Court Looks Like in San Bernardino
How does Juvenile delinquency court work in San Bernardino? Although each matter is unique, the process is generally similar following a standard series of hearings and deadlines that move at a rapid pace.
Here is a rough outline of the steps involved in the juvenile dependency case process in California:
1. Detention Hearing (Within 72 Hours)
If your child is taken into custody, the first hearing — which is called the detention hearing — will be held within 72 hours (not counting weekends and holidays). At this hearing, the court determines whether your son or daughter will continue to be in foster care or move back home.
2. Jurisdiction Hearing
During this hearing, the court decides whether the dependency petition is founded. CPS introduces its evidence, and your lawyer has the opportunity to question it and present a defense.
3. Disposition Hearing
Disposition If the court determines the petition to be true, then there is a disposition. The judge is the one who decides whether your child will stay in foster care, be sent to live with relatives, or be returned to your care under the court’s supervision. Reunification services may be ordered pursuant to.
4. Review Hearings (Every 6 Months)
Your case will be reviewed periodically to determine your progress with services and whether your child can safely return home.
5. Permanency Planning
If reunification doesn’t occur within the court’s timeline, the case may proceed to termination of parental rights or other permanency options.
What Happens at a CPS Hearing in San Bernardino County
Your rights and the future of your child are at risk at every step of the juvenile dependency process. Here’s what to expect:
- A formal courtroom setting
- Social workers and County Counsel present
- Strict legal deadlines
- Fast-paced legal processes
- Complex legal terms
You’ll have to react strategically, and you cannot hesitate or slip up. Lawyer Mohammad Abuershaid has quickly established himself as one of the premier juvenile dependency attorneys
Filing a Dependency Petition in San Bernardino
If you’re a relative or concerned party seeking to file a dependency petition in San Bernardino, the process is complex and requires legal standing. The court must determine that there is credible evidence of abuse or neglect. Whether you’re responding to a petition or initiating one, you need legal representation to ensure your voice is heard.
Why Choose ALL Trial Lawyers for Your San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Case?
Attorney Mohammad Abuershaid and the team at ALL Trial Lawyers are trusted advocates for parents throughout San Bernardino County. We’ve successfully defended clients at every stage of the CPS process — from emergency removals to termination hearings — and we know what it takes to fight for family reunification.
✅ Deep experience in San Bernardino juvenile dependency court
✅ Hundreds of successful outcomes in CPS defense
✅ Compassionate, client-centered representation
✅ Fast action and courtroom credibility
Call Now – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Every day counts when you’re facing CPS. The system is not always fair, and without strong legal counsel, you could lose your child permanently. Let us fight for you.
📞 Call ALL Trial Lawyers today at (866) 811-4255
📍 Serving all of San Bernardino County
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