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Our New Office Location Is: 2607 Lee Street, Greenville, Texas 75401
Call Now To Schedule Your Initial Consultation
Virtual Appointments Available As Needed
Virtual Appointments Available As Needed
When Child Protective Services (CPS) makes a finding against a parent or caregiver, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. In this article, we address…
In Texas, a CPS finding is referred to as a reason to believe finding. This means that after an investigation, Child Protective Investigations has determined there is reason to believe that abuse or neglect has occurred.
Yes. A determination letter from CPS will include instructions for filing an appeal of the finding, whether it is a reason to believe determination or another result of the investigation. It is important to remember that CPS decisions are not absolute. Individuals who are affected by a finding have the right to challenge it.
The deadline depends on the type of finding you are seeking to appeal, but it generally ranges between 15 and 30 days. Because these timeframes are short, it is critical to review the determination letter carefully and act quickly to preserve your right to appeal.
Christina Perrone, founder of the Perrone Law Firm, PLLC, is a Texas family law attorney with extensive experience guiding parents through CPS investigations and appeals.
She understands how a reason to believe finding can threaten a parent’s custody rights, career, and reputation, and she has successfully helped clients challenge and overturn substantiated findings through the ARIF and OCA review processes. Christina Perrone combines in-depth knowledge of Texas CPS procedures with strategic advocacy to protect families at every stage.
If you are facing a CPS finding, contact the Perrone Law Firm, PLLC today to safeguard your rights and your future.
The first level of appeal is an Administrative Review of Investigation Findings (ARIF). An individual must complete the ARIF process before becoming eligible for a secondary review through the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA).
A person requesting an OCA review must submit the request in writing. The OCA must receive that request within 45 calendar days from the date the designated perpetrator was notified of the decision in the ARIF.
It is highly recommended to have a knowledgeable attorney involved in both the ARIF and OCA review processes.
A substantiated finding can have far-reaching consequences, including impacts on:
Because CPS operates under a precautionary principle, errors and biases can sometimes lead to wrongful substantiations. Understanding how these decisions are made and working with an attorney who is well-versed in the process allows you to challenge them effectively and assert your legal rights during an appeal.
For more information on appealing a CPS substantiated finding in Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (903) 202-3911 today.
Christina Perrone, founder of the Perrone Law Firm, PLLC, is a Texas family law attorney with extensive experience guiding parents through CPS investigations and appeals.
She understands how a reason to believe finding can threaten a parent’s custody rights, career, and reputation, and she has successfully helped clients challenge and overturn substantiated findings through the ARIF and OCA review processes. Christina Perrone combines in-depth knowledge of Texas CPS procedures with strategic advocacy to protect families at every stage.
If you are facing a CPS finding, contact the Perrone Law Firm, PLLC today to safeguard your rights and your future.