Any parent who has encountered Child Protective Services (CPS) in Texas knows how challenging the experience can be. While CPS theoretically strives to do good work, they often harass good people and families that don’t need their services.
Once CPS enters the picture, it can be hard to get rid of them. They will want to observe and inspect everything about your family to make sure your children are safe. If they are satisfied, the case is closed. However, once the case is closed, another big question often arises… Can CPS reopen a closed case?
If you’re reading this, you are likely walking through this situation right now. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this battle alone. Like any battle, you need to have a CPS expert on your side. I’ll unpack how this works from a legal perspective and help you fight back to get CPS out of your life once and for all.
Need immediate help fighting back against CPS? Call me right away at 979-267-7660.
Can CPS Reopen a Closed Case?
The short answer is yes. CPS has been granted the right to reopen a case as many times as they feel the need to do so. It doesn’t matter what the original situation was or how it was resolved. If CPS decides to reopen a case, there’s very little you can do to prevent it.
CPS will usually reopen a closed case if a series of red flags have been raised. Once the case is reopened, it will be heavily scrutinized because there is a presumption that a negative pattern of activity in your family requires further investigation.
It turns out that CPS reopening a case isn’t rare. In fact, it’s very common for the same families to have cases closed and reopened many times. Usually, it’s because the circumstances that caused the initial case to be opened still remain some time later.
Causes of a CPS Case Being Reopened
CPS will typically pursue another round of investigations when the red flags are related to the same causes or factors that were present during the original investigation.
For example, perhaps a neighbor initially reported child neglect to CPS, which triggered the initial investigation. If the case was closed, but the same type of concern is reported to CPS again, CPS will attempt to re-open the case to follow up on the same concern.
Summarily, these causes include, but are not limited to:
1. Mental Health Concerns. If you or your child have been documented with mental health issues, then you can be sure that you will remain on CPS’s radar. Even if you’re doing everything right, there’s a good chance CPS will keep their antennae up looking for reasons to step back into your family’s life.
2. Employment or Financial Concerns. Creating a stable, nurturing environment for your child is a crucial part of any parent’s job. Because the primary concern of CPS is the welfare of your child, any chance that a child’s welfare is threatened could be the reason to reopen a case. For parents who struggle to make ends meet or keep a job, you should be aware that CPS will continue monitoring your situation. A lack of income to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter certainly qualifies as reasons to reopen a closed case.
3. A History of Domestic Abuse or Drug Use. If there is a history of domestic or drug abuse or child neglect in your family, CPS will want to keep tabs on your child’s welfare. They will want to step in the first moment they observe a problem, especially because both domestic violence towards another household member and drug abuse by a household member can directly impact a child, even if the abuse is not directed at him or her.
What To Do When CPS Steps Back In
If CPS has decided to reopen a closed case, and you are determined to fight back, then you should know you’re facing an uphill battle. However, this does not mean it’s a losing battle. I have over a decade of experience fighting on behalf of families in Texas, and I am ready to work for you.
I can help you demonstrate to CPS that there is no reason to reopen your case. I will work with you to prove that CPS does not need to be re-involved in your life and that you are working hard to provide a strong, stable life for your child.
I have helped countless families in Fort Bend County, Brazoria County, and Harris County fight back against CPS. I will help you navigate this disruption by keeping you focused, on track, and aware of any requests.
Call my offices at 281-944-5485 or 979-267-7660 to start working on your defense. Time is of the essence to support your family.