Foster & Kinship Care Attorneys in Pittsburgh

When children are unable to remain safely in their home due to abuse, neglect, or other challenges, the legal system provides avenues for ensuring their care and protection. Foster care and kinship care are two such pathways, both designed to prioritize the well-being of the child while addressing the needs of the family. At Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC, we are dedicated to helping families navigate these challenging circumstances, whether you are facing a CPS investigation, seeking to establish kinship care, or striving to reunite with your children.

At Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC, we represent parents dealing with Child Protect Services (CPS) investigations and foster care situations. If you need legal advice in these difficult times, call us at (412) 471-5100 to schedule a confidential consultation.

What Is Foster Care?

Foster care is a temporary arrangement where children are placed with qualified adults who can provide for their needs when their biological parents are unable to do so. The goal of foster care is typically reunification with the child’s family, though this can evolve into adoption or guardianship if reunification is not possible.

When Can a Child Be Placed in Foster Care?

Children may be placed in foster care under various circumstances, such as:

Following a CPS investigation that finds credible evidence of abuse or neglect.
Emergency removal due to immediate danger to the child.
A parent’s voluntary agreement if they are temporarily unable to care for their child due to health, financial, or personal challenges.

During a CPS investigation or foster care placement, parents maintain certain rights, including the right to visitation and the right to work toward reunification.

How We Help With Foster Care Cases

Foster care situations can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our attorneys can:

Advocate for your rights during a CPS investigation.
Fight for the return of your child if they’ve been placed in foster care.
Help identify alternatives, such as kinship care, to minimize disruption to your child’s life.

What Is Kinship Care in Pennsylvania?

Kinship care involves placing a child with a relative or close family friend rather than in traditional foster care. This arrangement allows the child to maintain important family or community connections, promoting a sense of stability during a difficult time.

Are There Different Types of Kinship Care?

Informal Kinship Care: Arranged privately without court or CPS involvement.
Voluntary Kinship Care: Agreed upon with CPS oversight but without court intervention. Parents retain legal custody while the caregiver provides day-to-day care.
Formal Kinship Care: Court-ordered placement where the state retains legal custody while a relative or family friend provides physical custody.

Are There Benefits of Kinship Care?

Maintaining Family Ties: Kinship care allows children to stay connected to their cultural, familial, and community roots.
Stability: Relatives or friends often provide a more stable environment, reducing the emotional trauma of being placed with strangers.
Sibling Preservation: Kinship care increases the likelihood of keeping siblings together.
Better Outcomes: Studies show that children in kinship care often experience better mental, physical, and educational outcomes.

Your Rights During Foster or Kinship Care

As a parent, you retain specific rights during a foster or kinship care arrangement, including:

Visitation: Unless restricted by the court, you have the right to regular visits with your child.
Communication: You may speak with your child via phone, email, or video calls.
Participation in Major Decisions: In many cases, you can still be involved in decisions about your child’s education, medical care, and more.

If CPS moves to terminate your parental rights, you have the right to appeal this decision and fight for reunification.

How Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC Can Help

Navigating foster and kinship care cases requires a knowledgeable and compassionate legal advocate. At Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC, we can:

Represent you during CPS investigations and hearings.
Help establish a kinship care arrangement that prioritizes your child’s well-being.
Advocate for your parental rights and guide you through reunification efforts.

We understand that these situations are emotionally charged, and we are committed to protecting your rights and your family’s future.

FAQs About Foster & Kinship Care in Pittsburgh

What happens if I don’t agree with the foster care placement?

You can challenge a foster care placement by working with an attorney to file an appeal or propose a kinship care alternative. Courts often prefer placing children with relatives or close family friends when possible.

How can I regain custody of my child from foster care?

To regain custody, you must demonstrate to the court and CPS that you have resolved the issues that led to the removal. This may involve completing parenting classes, undergoing counseling, or creating a stable living environment.

Can I choose who my child is placed with in kinship care?

If CPS agrees, you can suggest relatives or family friends for placement. Your attorney can help advocate for your preferences during the process.

Does kinship care mean I lose my parental rights?

No. In most kinship care arrangements, you retain your parental rights and can be involved in your child’s life. The level of your involvement depends on the specific arrangement and court orders.

What support is available for kinship caregivers?

Kinship caregivers may be eligible for financial assistance, training, and support services. Your attorney can help you explore available resources to ensure the caregiver has the means to provide for your child.

What should I do if CPS contacts me about removing my child?

Contact an attorney immediately. They can help you understand your rights, work to prevent removal, or negotiate alternatives like kinship care.

How long can a child stay in foster or kinship care?

Foster or kinship care placements can last until the issues that led to removal are resolved or until the child is adopted or reunited with their parents. Courts generally review these cases every six months.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Domestic Attorneys for Help

You have every right to defend yourself during a CPS investigation and to fight to keep your children out of foster care. As a parent, you know what is best for your children and you have every right to fight to keep them with you. At Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC, we are happy to fight for you in court. Our Pittsburgh CPS attorneys are experienced in child matters and in working with CPS to protect your parental rights, keep your children safe, and reunite your family as soon as possible.

Call us today at (412) 471-5100 to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help yo