Parents Make a Real Difference in Their Children’s Lives 
Parental relationships are among the most important ones we have. We are shaped by our relationships with our parents and we help form our children’s worldviews as well. For most of us, this relationship forms and informs much of what we do in our adult lives.
But an accusation of child neglect can come out of left field and it can be a parent’s nightmare. Once Child Protective Services receives a report of possible neglect, they may be duty bound to investigate it, and you may receive a knock on the door from either Child Protective Services or the police asking to inspect your home and interview your child.
Sometimes, the allegations are ground in fact, sometimes not. But it can be scary to have someone challenge your parental actions, labeling your child as a victim of parental neglect. Sometimes an accident can cause a child sufficient injury that a school may have concerns about the level and quality of parental supervision as home.
Other times, a neighbor may complain if a child is out playing on a busy street without a parent in sight. Still other times, a parent may have severe financial or substance issues precluding effective parenting. A child in this situation may wear dirty clothing to school or be hungry.
In any of these cases, Child Protective Services may choose to investigate. In all cases, it is best for you to stay calm when Child Protective Services comes knocking on your door. You may also want the help of an experienced Okmulgee child neglect attorney. You should know your duties and your rights in this situation, and your attorney can explain both to you.
How Can You Best Help the Situation When Child Protective Services Investigates
Reporting child abuse or neglect in Oklahoma is done anonymously. That means that if you are being investigated, you will not know who reported. It is important that have you stay calm and collected. You must comply with any direct orders given by a police officer. And make sure that you call an attorney as soon as possible. An Okmulgee child neglect attorney will help keep things calm, can help you know what to say and what not to say, and can help make sure that Child Protective Services and police do not overstep the bounds of their authority.
This can be a scary and confusing time not only for you as a parent, but also for your children. The more clear and concise your information about the process, the better. As you are being investigated, it is important that you not impede the investigation. Emotions can run high, especially if your children are being removed and placed into foster care during the process. It is best to have your experienced Okmulgee child neglect attorney by your side every step of the way.
Child Protective Services Workers Get it Wrong Sometimes
As much as a case worker wants to get it right, sometimes they just don’t. We can all make mistakes. A child care worker may decide to err on the side of caution rather than to release a child they suspect might be in harm’s way. If your child ends up in foster care based on unwarranted criteria, you may need to have a child neglect attorney help you gain access to your child again.
Your Okmulgee child neglect attorney can answer your questions, can help investigate, and can represent you in court when it counts. Don’t try to go this alone. Bring every resource at your disposal to the table. Your children will thank you for it.
Low-cost Consultation With an Okmulgee Child Neglect Attorney
If you’d like a confidential, no cost consultation with an Okmulgee child neglect attorney, call (918) 756-9600 or toll-free (888) Wirth-Law for a low-cost strategy session at the Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee. Or, enter your legal question or concern in the firm at the top right of this page, and one of our attorneys will email or call you.
