We Fight Child Welfare/Protective Services to Protect Your Children’s Rights
We advocate for parents, relatives and foster parents in juvenile dependency matters.
Why Choose Minella Law Group
Child Centric Approach
Our firm believes children should be raised by their parents, or if not their parents, then other loving relatives. A safe home, is the best home. We work with parents to implement realistic solutions to promote long-term family stability.
Experience Matters
Our attorney, Ms. Wolff is one of a small handful of Child Welfare Legal Specialists working in the private sector in San Diego County. Her wealth of experience in the dependency system gives her a leg up in her advocacy.
Collaborative Approach
We foster positive relationships with the County Attorneys and the Minor’s Counsel’s Office. Our goal is to work together to formulate structured case plans that assist in strengthening the family structure.
REACH OUT TO US
We offer complimentary consultations for new or existing cases
Common Needs For a Child Welfare/CPS Attorney
We can aid in a number of ways, here are some of the most frequent scenarios we encoutner:
Pre-Filing Child Welfare Services Investigation
When your family is being investigated by Child Welfare Services, this can be frightening. This is a pre-filing of a petition to seek services for a child, it is a process where a case worker gathers information due to an abuse or neglect claim. Don’t go through this process alone as the findings can lead to the filing of a petition to remove the child from the home or supportive services. Avoid a petition from being filed by having legal representation from the start.
Child Welfare Services Defense
If a petition has been filed alleging an unsafe home environment for the children, it is imperative you have the right attorney to assist in your defense with the ultimate goal of keeping your children home. Our defense includes challenging the allegations, presenting evidence in court, and ultimately working with the social workers to advocate for keeping your family together. We collaborate with all the professionals involved and use the strength of our relationships to bring the case to a successful resolution.
Relative Placement of Dependent Children
If you are related to a child who has been removed by Child Welfare Services, we can assist in your advocacy as a relative to have the child placed with you, rather than in foster care. Timing of these requests are crucial as well as knowledge of the system.
Foster Parent Adoption
If you are a foster parent seeking to adopt the child placed in your care, we can assist with the process. When reunification is not possible or appropriate, foster parents can petition to legally adopt. Our attorneys are skilled in assisting foster families with the process so you can focus on maintaining the bond and focus on your family.
Guardianship
In cases where parents are unable to care for their children, we assist family members obtain a guardianship of a minor to ensure a stable and supportive environment.