What Can You Do If Your Children Were Taken After An Arrest?
An arrest can throw many aspects of your life into uncertainty, especially if that arrest also leads the Pennsylvania Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) to take your children from your home. You may wonder if your life and your family will ever be the same.
Attorney Alexandria “Ally” Crouthamel draws on her experience in family and criminal law to help you address both criminal charges and the removal of your children. At Crouthamel Law Offices, she has supported many individuals families in east central Pennsylvania, and she uses that knowledge to build strong strategies to safeguard your rights as well as answer your questions in this difficult time.
What Kinds Of Criminal Cases Might Result In OCYF Removing A Child From A Home?
The authorities can remove a child when they believe that the child is in immediate danger in their home. In these cases, the authorities may view removing a child as an important way to protect that child’s well-being.
Some of the many accusations that could lead to OCYF taking a child include:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Child neglect
- Charges that involve the abuse of alcohol or controlled substances
In addition, OCYF may remove a child from the home if their caretaker will be incarcerated as a result of their arrest because that incarceration would leave the child without care.
What Steps Should You Take To Protect Your Parental Rights?
One of the most important steps to take after the authorities remove your children is to understand the specific guidelines and requirements put in place by Child Protective Services (CPS) and the court. Obeying these requirements is key to reuniting with your children and restoring your parental rights.
The exact requirements for reunification can differ from case to case. In addition to resolving your legal concerns or completing the terms of a sentence, you may need to attend hearings, address an unstable housing situation, attend visitation with your child or undergo a court-ordered program. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the specific requirements in your situation.
How Important Is An Attorney’s Experience In Protecting Your Parental Rights?
Because of the impact that your criminal case can have on your parental rights, you deserve a lawyer who understands the challenges you’re facing. Hiring an attorney who has experience in both family and criminal law can provide you with unique insights into how the choices you make in your criminal law case will impact your family.
A lawyer can also fight for you in this stressful situation. A tenacious and skilled attorney who has a history of assertively advocating for their clients in and out of the courtroom can leverage that experience to address both your criminal charge and your family law concern.
Contact An Experienced Family And Criminal Law Attorney
When a criminal charge has the potential to impact your connection to your children, experienced guidance is only a phone call away. Take the first step toward protecting your rights, your future and your connection with your child in a free consultation with attorney Crouthamel. Call 610-857-7490 or reach out online.
