A visit from Child Protective Services (CPS) can be unexpected, stressful, and filled with uncertainty. Knowing your rights ahead of time can make a critical difference in how you respond and protect your family. In this informative webinar, Nancy Nissen and Lauren Sheeley provide a clear, practical guide to navigating CPS encounters with confidence and awareness.

Participants will gain insight into why CPS may show up at your home, including common triggers for investigations. The presenters will walk through what rights you have before you even open the door, helping you understand when you are required to engage and when you can set boundaries.

The session will also cover your rights during an active investigation, including what CPS caseworkers can and cannot do, what information you are required to provide, and how to communicate effectively without unintentionally harming your case. Additionally, the webinar will explain the legal standards for when CPS can remove a child from the home, and what typically happens next.

To help you prepare for real-world situations, Nancy and Lauren will outline potential outcomes and scenarios families may face, along with practical steps to protect your rights and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Topics covered in the CLE will include:

• common reasons CPS may come to your home;
• your rights before answering the door;
• what CPS is legally allowed to do during an investigation;
• when CPS can remove a child and under what conditions;
• possible outcomes of a CPS case and what they mean; and
• practical strategies to protect yourself and your family.