Jeffrey Roberts Emily
If you’ve been contacted by Child Protective Services in San Diego and told a social worker will be visiting your home, it’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Whether the visit is scheduled or unannounced, how you handle that first interaction can make a major difference in what happens next.
This article walks you through what a CPS home visit means, what to expect, and how to protect yourself and your family.
Why CPS Is Visiting
CPS usually conducts a home visit after receiving a report of suspected child abuse or neglect. These reports are often made by teachers, doctors, neighbors, or even anonymous callers. Once a report is made, a CPS social worker is assigned to investigate whether the child is safe in the home.
It’s important to remember that even if the report is false, the investigation will still go forward. The goal of the visit is to determine whether further action is needed, including removal or court involvement.
What Happens During the Visit
During a CPS home visit in San Diego, the social worker will typically:
- Ask to come inside your home
- Look around for anything that may pose a safety risk to the child
- Ask questions about your child’s health, safety, and living conditions
- Speak with your child privately
- Possibly ask you to take a drug test
The visit may feel casual, but it is still part of a formal investigation. The social worker will be taking notes, observing your behavior, and documenting anything they consider concerning.
Do You Have to Let Them In?
In most situations, you are not legally required to let CPS into your home unless they have a court order or believe there is an immediate risk to your child’s safety. However, refusing entry without explanation may raise suspicion and prompt the social worker to seek a warrant.
A better approach is to ask what the allegations are and let them know you would like to speak with an attorney before continuing the conversation. You can also suggest rescheduling the visit once you have legal representation.
Your Rights During a CPS Visit
- You have the right to know the nature of the allegations
- You can remain silent and request an attorney before answering questions
- You can refuse a drug test unless it’s court-ordered
- You can ask that any interviews with your children be conducted with a third party or legal counsel present
How a CPS Defense Lawyer Can Help
Having a CPS defense attorney early in the process can protect your rights and reduce the risk of your case escalating. Your lawyer can speak on your behalf, review the allegations, prepare you for the home visit, and challenge anything unfair or untrue in the social worker’s report.
The San Diego CPS system can move quickly. What starts as a visit can lead to a court case in days. Don’t wait until your child is removed to get help.
Final Thoughts
CPS home visits are stressful, but you have rights. Stay calm, be respectful, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If you’re facing a CPS investigation in San Diego, visit SanDiegoCPSLawyer.com to speak with an experienced defense attorney and protect your family from unnecessary separation.
