Practice Area
Riverside Juvenile Dependency Attorneys
Stephanie F. Dominguez
Authority | Trust | Result
Experienced Advocacy
Client Focused
Local and Statewide
Confidential & Secure
When Child Protective Services (“CPS”) or the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) becomes involved in your family’s life, the stakes could not be higher. Allegations of abuse or neglect can lead to your child being removed from your home and placed in foster care or with relatives. These cases move quickly, and decisions made in juvenile dependency court can permanently affect your parental rights.
If you are facing a juvenile dependency case in Riverside County, you need an experienced attorney who understands the law, the local court system, and how to protect your family. Our firm is dedicated to defending parents, grandparents, and guardians against CPS actions and working toward family reunification whenever possible.
What Is Juvenile Dependency in California?
Juvenile dependency cases are legal proceedings designed to protect children who are alleged to be victims of abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions. Under California Welfare and Institutions Code §300, the court can intervene if:
- A child suffers or is at risk of serious physical harm.
- A child is sexually abused or at risk of sexual abuse.
- A parent fails to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care, or supervision.
- A parent’s substance abuse or mental health issues endanger the child.
- A child is abandoned or left without care.
The goal of the juvenile dependency system is to ensure the child’s safety while also allowing parents to correct issues and reunite with their children whenever possible.
The Juvenile Dependency Court Process in Riverside County
Juvenile dependency cases move fast. Here is what to expect:
Detention Hearing
Held within 48 hours of a child’s removal. The judge decides whether the child stays in protective custody or returns home.
Jurisdiction Hearing
The court reviews evidence to determine if allegations of abuse or neglect are true. If the court finds the allegations substantiated, the case moves forward.
Disposition Hearing
The judge decides where the child will live and what services parents must complete, such as counseling, parenting classes, or substance abuse treatment.
Review Hearings
Every six months, the court reviews progress. Parents who comply with court orders have a better chance of reunification.
Permanency Hearing
If reunification does not occur within 12–18 months, the court may terminate parental rights and consider adoption or guardianship.
Your Rights as a Parent
Even when CPS is involved, you have important legal rights:
- The right to be notified of all hearings.
- The right to legal representation (a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one).
- The right to present evidence and call witnesses.
- The right to visit your child, unless restricted by court order.
- The right to appeal decisions.
Understanding and exercising these rights is critical to protecting your family.
Juvenile dependency cases are complex and intimidating. CPS investigations often feel one-sided, and parents can feel powerless. An experienced attorney can:
- Challenge false or exaggerated allegations.
- Ensure CPS follows proper procedures.
- Advocate for family reunification.
- Represent you at every hearing and negotiate with social workers.
- File motions to modify court orders when circumstances change.
Situations We Handle
- CPS investigations and emergency removals.
- False allegations of abuse or neglect.
- Cases involving substance abuse or mental health concerns.
- Grandparents and relatives seeking custody.
- Foster parents are involved in adoption disputes.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in Riverside County Juvenile Court and understand local procedures. We represent clients in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta, and throughout the Inland Empire.
If CPS has contacted you or removed your child, time is critical. The sooner you act, the better your chances of keeping your family together. Contact our Riverside juvenile dependency attorneys for a confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight for your rights.
- Understand the key facts
- Learn your rights and options
- Discover practical steps
- See how our firm can help