Understanding CHIPS (Child In Need Of Protection And Services)

In summary, CHIPS or child in need of protection and services are child protection cases that arise when parents or others entrusted with the care and well-being of children are accused of abandonment, neglect, abuse or other forms of maltreatment.

Throughout Minnesota, county social services takes these cases very seriously. Whether a private party or social services files a CHIPS petition, there will be an investigation into the allegations that may end with your children being removed from your home. Your kids will be placed in foster care, and if social services deems you unfit to be reunited with your children, may transfer permanent custody or even have your parental rights terminated.

PROTECT YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS WITH HELP FROM A LOCAL LAWYER

I am attorney Eric Anderson, and I dedicate a significant portion of my practice to defending Minnesota families facing CHIPS and other child protection matters. If you have been accused of maltreatment and social services has placed your children in foster care or with another member of your family, I can help you respond to false accusations, work through the case plan outlined by social services, and ultimately fight to reunite your family.

Social services is obliged to investigate any reports that a child may be in danger. Whether you have been contacted by the authorities or believe that a CHIPS petition may be filed against you, there’s no time to waste. An attorney can step in and protect your parental rights against the following accusations pertaining to your child:

  • Physical or emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Abandonment
  • Unsanitary, unsafe or otherwise dangerous living conditions
  • Neglect
  • Delinquent acts perpetrated by a child
  • Truancy

When you reach out to me, I will listen as you explain what happened. Once I understand the circumstances, I can outline what to expect going forward. Depending on where you are in your case, we will review the details of:

  • The 72-hour hold
  • The possibility of your children being placed with a relative
  • The possibility of your children being placed in foster care
  • What to expect during the Emergency Placement Hearing
  • The opportunity to admit or deny the accusations during the Emergency Placement Hearing

What you say and do during the investigation and subsequent hearings can have significant consequences on the outcome of your case as well as your future. As your lawyer, I will make sure you understand what’s happening, be there for you at every step, and will look for opportunities to mitigate the stress and help you resolve your case quickly and quietly.

DON’T HESITATE, CALL ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

To speak with me directly, call Anderson Defense at 612-373-9490 or send an email and schedule a free confidential consultation. My office is located in Minneapolis and I routinely work with individuals and families throughout Hennepin County, the Twin Cities and the region.