Minnesota child protection agencies screened more than 56,500 allegations of child maltreatment during 2010, the most recent year for which figures are available. If the state has made wrongful allegations of child abuse or neglect against you, or if you need help securing a safe environment for your child, the family law attorneys at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. can help. We have the compassion to take on your fight as our own and the knowledge to navigate the legal system on your behalf.
Minnesota authorities may remove a child from his or her home and place the child in protective care when:
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If the state believes any of these circumstances exist, it may initiate proceedings to remove the child from the parent or legal guardian.
A Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) petition asks a court to determine that a child needs protection or social services. The petition is generally filed by the county. But if a private citizen reports to the county that he or she has reason to believe a child needs protection, and the county fails to act on the tip, the private citizen can then file a CHIPS petition.
If the judge agrees that the child needs protection or services, county social workers must develop a case plan that gives the parents an opportunity to address the problems. A CHIPS petition can eventually lead to a petition to terminate parental rights, if the parents or legal guardians don’t comply with the case plan and fix the problems.
Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. delivers aggressive legal representation for families throughout Minnesota, including in Washington County, Dakota County, Burnsville, Eagan and Woodbury, MN. There is no charge for initial consultations, and flexible scheduling is available. Call us today at 651-379-3024 or contact us online to make an appointment.