Child & Family Well-Being (CFWB) Involvement

Clear Guidance When CFWB Contacts Your Family

When Child & Family Well-Being (CFWB) (formerly known as “CPS”) becomes involved, things can move quickly. Our role is to protect your rights, steady the process, and work toward a safe, least‑disruptive outcome for your child and family.

We support:

• Parents, guardians, and caregivers under investigation
• Non-offending parents facing “failure to protect” concerns
• Foster parents responding to licensing or abuse allegations

How we help:

• Immediate advice when a social worker calls or arrives unannounced
• Preparation and representation for interviews and home visits
• Review and negotiation of safety plans and “voluntary services”
• Advocacy to avoid unnecessary removals
• Emergency representation if a Juvenile Court petition is filed
• CACI (Child Abuse Central Index) grievance hearings to challenge listings
• Coordination with Family Court or Guardianship matters affected by CFWB findings

Our approach:

• Calm, clear, and direct communication
• Focus on practical steps and timely action
• Deep experience with San Diego County CFWB processes

If CFWB reaches out, contact us before you speak with a social worker or sign any agreement. Early guidance often prevents bigger problems later.

• Your child has been detained or a Juvenile Court hearing is set
• You receive notice of a CACI listing
• You are a foster parent facing a licensing investigation

Safety Plans and “Voluntary Services”

Safety plans and “voluntary” service agreements can change custody, visitation, and daily routines. They may feel urgent or “required,” but you have choices. We will:

• Explain the terms and long‑term impact
• Negotiate adjustments or limits
• Advise when signing is not in your interest

A short review up front can prevent months of unnecessary conditions.

CACI Grievance Hearings

If CFWB “substantiates” abuse without filing a Juvenile Court case, your name may be sent to the Department of Justice’s Child Abuse Central Index. This can affect employment and volunteer opportunities. You typically have 30 days to request a grievance hearing. We handle these hearings and have successfully removed clients from the index.

Foster Care Licensing Matters

Foster parents may face parallel investigations and licensing actions. We defend your license, manage timelines, and help you meet requirements while protecting your rights.

Read our guide: What to expect in a CFWB investigation