The Ultimate Guide to CPS Defense & Juvenile Dependency in San Bernardino County

If you have been contacted by Child Protective Services, also known in San Bernardino County as Children and Family Services (CFS), you may be overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you understand the local juvenile dependency system, your legal rights, and the steps you can take to defend your family and your future.

Understanding CPS/CFS in San Bernardino County

In San Bernardino, the agency responsible for handling child abuse and neglect investigations is Children and Family Services (CFS). Referrals often originate from:

Mandatory reporters such as teachers, medical professionals, or therapists
Anonymous tips from the public
Law enforcement officers responding to an incident

Once CFS receives a report, they may initiate an investigation, interview your child without notice, or make an unannounced visit to your home. In certain cases, they may even remove your child from your custody. However, removal is not the end of the case; it is only the beginning of a court process where you have the right to challenge the agency’s actions.

The Juvenile Dependency Process in San Bernardino County

Step 1: Investigation

CFS will evaluate the referral to determine whether abuse or neglect is suspected. This process may include home visits, interviews, and requests for documentation. You may also be asked to sign a Voluntary Safety Plan. It is essential to read everything carefully and consult an attorney before signing any documents.

Step 2: Detention Hearing (Within 72 Hours)

If your child is removed from your home, a detention hearing will be scheduled within three court days. This is your first opportunity to challenge the removal in court and present your side of the story. You have a right to legal representation. If you do not retain your own lawyer, the court will appoint one for you.

Step 3: Jurisdiction and Disposition

The court will hold hearings to determine whether the allegations meet the standards under Welfare and Institutions Code § 300. If the court finds the allegations true, it will move to disposition, where decisions are made about services, visitation, and the child’s placement.

Step 4: Review Hearings and Reunification Efforts

The court will conduct periodic review hearings, usually every six months, to evaluate your progress and determine whether reunification is appropriate. Active participation in court-ordered services is essential during this phase.

What to Expect in San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Court

Most dependency court hearings in San Bernardino County take place at the San Bernardino Superior Court – Juvenile Division. These hearings are closed to the public in order to protect the privacy of the child and family. The courtroom typically includes the judge, attorneys for the parents, a court-appointed attorney for the child, CFS social workers, and a representative from County Counsel.

Common Allegations and Defense Strategies

Typical Allegations Include:

Physical or emotional abuse
General or severe neglect
Substance abuse in the home
Domestic violence exposure
Medical neglect or failure to provide care

How We Defend These Cases:

Challenging the sufficiency of the evidence
Enforcing the requirement that CFS make “reasonable efforts” to prevent removal
Bringing in independent experts to evaluate your case
Filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence or compel CFS compliance

Acting quickly is critical. Every hour matters once your child is removed from your home. Having an experienced CPS defense lawyer involved from the start significantly increases your chances of reunification.

Local Legal Experience Matters

Attorney Mohammad Abuershaid leads our San Bernardino County CPS defense team with extensive knowledge of dependency law and deep familiarity with local court procedures. His experience includes:

Over a decade of representing parents in juvenile dependency cases
Strong relationships with local judges, social workers, and service providers
A successful track record of reunifications, dismissals, and favorable court outcomes

Client feedback consistently emphasizes his strategic, compassionate, and aggressive approach to protecting families.

Tools and Resources for Families

We provide parents with practical resources to navigate the juvenile dependency process effectively:

Downloadable Resources:

“What to Do If CFS Contacts You”
“Preparing for a Detention Hearing”
“Your Rights in Juvenile Dependency Court”

Educational Content:

Video explanations of each stage of the court process
Webinars about defending against CPS allegations
Frequently asked questions tailored to San Bernardino County parents

These resources help you understand your rights and prepare for court hearings and agency interactions.

Trusted Partnerships and Community Support

We collaborate with a network of professionals and community partners, including:

Licensed therapists and counselors
Parenting instructors and coaches
Substance abuse treatment providers
Independent drug testing laboratories
Bilingual and culturally competent service providers

This multidisciplinary approach supports our clients in addressing both the legal and social service dimensions of their cases.

Choosing the Right CPS Defense Lawyer in San Bernardino County

When facing a CFS investigation or dependency case, it is crucial to work with an attorney who:

Has handled numerous dependency cases
Knows the San Bernardino County juvenile court system
Can act quickly to protect your parental rights
Is prepared to go to trial, if necessary

Our firm, ALL Trial Lawyers, is committed to guiding you through every stage of the process and protecting your family.

Serving All of San Bernardino County

We represent clients throughout San Bernardino County, including in:

Rancho Cucamonga
Fontana
Ontario
Victorville
Redlands
Chino
Chino Hills
Highland
Hesperia
Yucaipa

If you are involved in a CFS case or have received notice of a dependency hearing, contact our office immediately to schedule a consultation.