Caregiver Home Inspection Safety and Compliance Checklist . 1 0 obj Some of the things that an inspector will check in the bedroom are generally beddings like blankets, bed, mattresses, sheets, and their conditions. 2020-2022 Data. On the other hand, if it is determined that no abuse or neglect has occurred, then a Ruled out label will be utilized. case or situation. TUBf In a child custody battle, each parent wants to take primary custody of the child and since the court wants to decide based on what is in the best interests of the child, the judge may order for a home inspection of both parents or any other party that is seeking for custody. Please try again. 2014-2023 by Arch Inspections LLC. If necessary, show them that the firearms you own are stored responsibly where the children cannot get to them. Our inspectors are well-informed, polite and helpful; they will answer any questions and assist you in understanding the findings. % ]?~wU zw{v7wv#k+{K;MU]ow~|| |+u>{w~z"TSu If there's anything on the list that's above your DIY comfort level, consider calling in an expert. Get tailored advice and ask a lawyer questions. It is not safe for children under the age of 6 to sleep in a top bunk. Firms, FindLaws team of legal writers and attorneys, Child Custody and Visitation Questionnaire. 3 0 obj you can ask for separate interviews. Any knives, matches, razors, and other dangerous items within reach of your kids will definitely catch the CPS investigators attention. How do the members of the family dispose of the waste materials? x]Y~gC?N+<5b"! Meet with adults who know your child well. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Men win custody about you will need to keep track of all the events and activities that happen daily. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The study is done to find out what the living conditions are, whether or not they appear suitable and appropriate for a child to live in, and whether or not there are hazards or deficits in the living arrangements that might be detrimental to the child. All homes (even new construction) have problems. Take a look at these NJ MLS Services, Separated Parenting Access & Resource Center. Make sure all prescription medicines and cough/cold remedies are stored safely out of reach of the children. New Jersey's only inspection company operated by licensed architects . Please take a moment and Register today! Checklist for Review of Adoption Petitions. Click on theEffective Date column headerto sort the search results by date. These include pet messes, the health of your pets, shedding of fur, and litter boxes. Usually, parents pay a fee for the service. The assistance of an experienced child custody attorney can clarify your rights and help you navigate the family court's many pitfalls. The judge will appoint a child custody evaluator to do the investigation. When Child Protective Services Inspects your home. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Family Interaction Observation Checklist (Revised - April 2017)Page 1. . stream If the subject comes up, downplay it. Fire extinguishers should be securely fastened to the wall with proper mounting hardware (virtually all come with a mounting bracket). If CPS has ever been involved with you, your spouse, or any other member of your family, they will find that out early in their investigation. However, it can be argued that many children who do suffer abuse or neglect begin to exhibit the effects of abuse or neglect in their school work and attendance. (LogOut/ Child custody refers to the rights and responsibilities of the parents for taking care of the children.There are two types: Legal custody: who makes important decisions for your children (like health care, education, welfare).. Read or contribute to the latest legal news in. Request for Assistance in Completing Court Review of Child placed in the . Since 1978, the mission of AFS has been - and continues to be - to support vulnerable children and families in need of stability, safety and well . Hot tubs, pools, spas, and saunas are also hazardous to children. Our most popular destinations for legal help are below. Y=u[?uaK}HOr42+J FW7]pH%3R>%VuP(ZePwg//IL3|/>Z@q|sN'qa_Bd ]|lp>F'W gW: 3J/1 Give the evaluator a copy of any restraining orders. If a CPS investigator believes that your child is in imminent danger that requires their being removed from the home, they may be able to enter against your wishes. It is advised to consult with a Copperas Cove child protective services attorney to protect your rights and childproof your house. New Construction Home Inspection Services, Sample Commercial Property Inspection Report, Looking for Homes for Sale in NJ? What are the physical and geographical aspects of the neighborhood housing density, lawns, yards, streets and highways, proximity to parks, schools, and recreational facilities. Tu7QZKgtYiK\ GXj)U,rAMd1dA AM]eIbbUC cz5~|M}PD< 422&4# z|u%*A~`j][;>q2'uk%13-:>|4u Ra"MFWnit$(h&,5== At the end of the investigation, the evaluator will provide a report to you and the judgewith a recommendation for a parenting plan in your child's best interests. gkzD u)RX\Ml-%AgZZ0>I>dYj7*yrK]_F2)i ?Rv+1qk3-Wx]sr#(O-G]!R'Wy` mEQBrm+;NOIPhZ cl_7" Suppose you cooperated with the prior investigation, and it was quickly closed. Clean and declutter inspection . 2 0 obj Therefore, if you are a parent and battling a child custody case, you should always ensure that the home environment is suitable, comfortable, and safe for the child. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. For non legal parenting help go to www.parentnook.com. The evaluator may look at police reports, any court records, or reports from providers of anger management or parenting classes. When it comes to inspecting the kitchen and food, a home with plenty of food supplies is considered good for the child. We also recommend purchasing and installing one or more carbon monoxide detectors. Feces Works with other professionals involved in the case. Any alcohol in the house should be stored out of kids reach. | Last reviewed May 06, 2019. 4 0 obj If there are serious allegations of child sexual abuse or child abuse, the investigation will include more steps. The bedroom condition is also one of the things to check. <> A court order would need to be sought immediately to allow them to keep temporary custody of your child. %PDF-1.5 If you have both a pool and young children, restricted access and a pool monitor or alarm is a must. Youll need the year and dates for everythingwhen siblings were born, city and state, etc). Are there age-appropriate toys in the room? Contact a qualified child custody attorney to make sure your rights are protected. Do not expect a CPS worker to ignore piles of trash in the house. V4fL 2]lNB/R)uU\lZ&m 0h E#4=Ja4cNWv7Vcm_TXw bgL&;>o@s}sXT) Speak with our experienced CPS attorney in Copperas Cove, Texas, to discuss your situation and to find out what CPS may look for when inspecting your home. If you and your family are involved in an investigation with Child Protective Services (), you should be aware that part of that investigation will be an inspection of your home.A CPS investigator can show up at any time on your doorstep to conduct the investigation and does not need to give you any notice before doing so.. Is food readily available to your children? Casey Life Skills Practice Guide. Crimes involving drugs, violence, or sexual abuse will be considered heavily when deciding whether or not to have your child removed from your home. 7 days a week: 8:00 AM 8:00 PM, NJ Licensed Home Inspector#24GI00130600NJ Radon Measurement Technician MEIT #13362NJ Licensed Architect, Child Home Safety ChecklistHome Buying ChecklistHome Inspection ChecklistSample Pre-Inspection AgreementSample Inspection Report, Home | Contact Us | Employment | Service Areas | Inspection Services | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. They are doing their job to make sure that your house is free of hazards and is appropriate for your children. Below is the list of things a Child Protective Services investigator will look for when visiting your home: CPS will inspect the cleanliness of your house to ensure that your home has sanitary conditions for your kids. House Inspection Checklist. Recent statistics show a great improvement in the number of men or fathers who win custody unlike in the recent past. Its also a good idea to make sure you have your tax returns and W-2s for at least the prior year, marriage and divorce decrees, check stubs, past work histories, references, and your family history (when mom married dad, etc. If you have pets make sure any feces or urnineis cleaned up. If the home environment is not safe, then that can be captured in the report, and so as the other way round. This house inspection checklist is used by property owners in conducting walkthrough inspection of the property. This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style byFindLaws team of legal writers and attorneysand in accordance withour editorial standards. All information available on our site is available on an "AS-IS" basis. In addition to that, pets should not have fleas or ticks as that would be a negative when it comes to a child custody case. These are important questions to consider, especially if your custody case is one of the thousands of cases each year that require a home evaluation. Child Family Services). Should you allow CPS to enter your home to conduct an investigation? Child custody disputes can be among the most contentious and complicated kinds of legal situations a person can face, while the emotional toll of these disputes can make it difficult to focus on the technical aspects of your case. Contact me today to schedule your FREE consultation. Are the electrical plugs covered or capped off? What Are My Rights During a Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation? If they open your refrigerator and see a nothing but a six-pack of Bud, a stale taco and jar of Velveeta Cheese Spread, youre in serious trouble. CPS will do a background search of you for their investigation. . A Custody Evaluation looks at the family history, the family's current functioning, the parents'/participants' fitness, the child's needs, and makes recommendations about a parenting time schedule/physical custody and legal decision making/legal custody, as well as any services for the parents or child. If there were serious allegations of abuse, the report will also include recommendations for how to ensure the child's safety and meet any theuraputic needs. But be sure to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so they can do the best job possible for you. Make sure that flammable items are far away from open flame in the house. During the home study, different home study evaluators look for different things, but there are some things they all look for: Arch Inspections LLC also offers a child safety checklist should you like to get a better understanding of child safety issues. did this information help you with your case? While cleaning your house is good, household cleaners and other chemicals should be stored out of kids reach. A CPS investigator can show up at any time on your doorstep to conduct the investigation and does not need to give you any notice before doing so. What Happens During a Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation in Texas? What Is the 10/10 Rule in the Military? The inspector will check the level of pollution in the surrounding area, whether the home is located next to a busy road or not, and if so, whether the compound is fenced or not, and whether there is a lockable gate or not. Most things are common sense. Your house doesnt have to appear ready for a Better Home and Gardens photo shoot, but piles of clothes, toys, pets and junk strewn around the living areas will not impress the home study worker. Is there a suitable bed with clean blankets and sheets on it? Interviews parents, the child, relatives, teachers, etc. All rights reserved. There should not be any illicit drugs or substances in the house. Custody & child visitation cases are emotional, and a lawyer can seek the best outcome, A lawyer can help protect your children's interests, Lawyers can seek to secure visitation rights. Soffits, Fascia, Gutters and Downspouts. The room should be reasonably clean and neat, and it should have all the typical furniture you would expect to find; a bed, dresser, a chair and table, lamps, etc. What are the sleeping arrangements for the kids? <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Reserve your seat on the bus: Become a schoolchaperone, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), International Child Abduction Remedies Act (ICARA), Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Welcome to TheLaw.com! Do the childrens facial expressions and reactions to a visitor appear healthy? User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License and must be attributed to source if republished. 211 Paterson Ave Will Alimony Be Tax Deductible in 2019 and Beyond? When you submit a question or make a comment on our site or in our law forum, you clearly imply that you are interested in receiving answers, opinions and responses from other people. $8!9EyX7QK 3BybA2cW8>=s94O7H!O3>y.itj>Lv%gBO|JbouR:B@j[qTI"W;kcqD;kaYbUD/8F{.q_=~ Ot]| H=.>H78]sMM%/Mg8Kp a3SBR4_[ ;g&.NZSD,>S^e0lj! If this is the case, you may need to get your OWN inspector to dispute that report. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to a major rehabilitation. What would happen to me and my family? jacksgal, Jun 30, 2008. % For more information on this topic, return to FindLaw's Who Gets Custody? 0'l0mU'TvY4y%F,!G:R5rR"iKgtUJ'&EB(fJ!$i"FA(/7LUhy2eN-/e*_DY*_ #QV{E xs BrCBc &(sL&X!=c`:[X\9;u0{Z/}98(|VbsBgsR.-\kl}f>S6K_? 1)$]gs4d8QemP %S(`y>J#?L:CeIs177&x- 8j@_i6pKq1U0` If your child has low grades, frequent absences, and disciplinary problems, you will likely need to account for those when speaking with your investigator. Knowing what CPS investigators look for when evaluating a home will prepare you for the visit, allowing you to protect yourself and prevent the agency from removing your child. Keep wires safely out of site. If you decide to allow a CPS employee to enter your home and conduct an inspection, you can expect them to want to take photographs of the home's condition. This is to ensure that the home environment where the child will live is safe and comfortable. Now we've reached a point where we can discuss what ultimately happens when CPS concludes an investigation into you and your family. They may also order one if your family court services mediator recommended it.You or the other parent request one: A judge can also order one if you and your child's other parent asks for an evaluation. One of the concerns before a child custody decision is made is whether a parent can cater to the childs needs. Speak with our experienced CPS attorney in Copperas Cove. child custody home inspection checklist; dfcs home inspection checklist; During the initial home inspection with the relative family. When the parties cannot resolve child-related issues on their own, the court appoints an attorney to investigate the children's best interests and to make a recommendation to the court as to what kind . Its typically not a good idea to be adversarial with CPS workers. A CPS investigator may also ask you if your house is equipped with smoke alarms. -AdQ\6Rv"mZceD'hst;C]HtGH]+M+]sd(D Dn]LN$ZQ#%Fs$ F_[==Du!#e%F&6FH]p:1u? Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. Can Child Custody Be Included in a Prenuptial Agreement? In many cases, a consideration of the various factors results in an award of custody to the parent who has been the child's primary caretaker. Download and print the checklist for handy reference! All that is allowed is quickly removing your child from their temporary care. Does your child have a Contact List? Role to Date of Each Parent in Nurturing and Raising the Child Chafee ETV Grant Program Application. If not, start buildingone! Belowis a brief article fromSeparated Parenting Access & Resource Centerona child custody home inspection. be securely fastened in a child passenger restraint system In-ground, above level pool or whirlpool on premises is to be made inaccessible to . Clean diaper on any child needing diapers. The court will consider many factors when deciding to whom to award custody. The CPS worker cannot stay at that point, and if they do, you can contact their supervisor to address it directly with CPS. It should be clean, safe, and with plenty of healthy food among other things as we have discussed above. Medicine should be stored in a locked cabinet out of sight and reach of children. If you have a boy and girl, they must sleep in separate bedrooms at ages 5 and older. This can include things like poor sanitation, lack of food, or signs of physical abuse. Is there a suitable bed with clean blankets and sheets on it? Come back to the blog tomorrow to learn more about what happens after your case has concluded. (Frankly, this is equipment you should have whether you have a home study or not.). Unable to determine means that there was not enough evidence in existence to determine as to whether or not abuse or neglect of your child has occurred. In the past, parents would participate in child custody mediation only when a judge ordered . or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. DAILY CUSTODY TIP: Your surprise witness is his FIRST ex-wife. For example, such things like unsanitary conditions, exposed electrical wires, broken steps or handrails, sharp-object hazards, broken windows, and so on. 1995 - 2019 TheLaw.com LLC. A CPS investigator will keep the following questions in mind during a home inspection: Is there enough healthy food in the house? The judge needs more information: A judge may order an evaluation if they need more information to make a decision about a parenting plan that is in your child's best interests. Are there hazards present that go above and beyond the typical things that might be found in any home? Another background search that CPS will perform on you is a CPS history report. (LogOut/ >r08)45znX;]PRn[,1RCc+bf|;o"\Ins)Ce' ~%Gzv}?O3l,\:}>})H?0Z.L Taking to/picking up from extracurricular activities, Taking to/picking up from religious services, Taking to/picking up from religious classes, Taking to/picking up from sports activities, Taking to/picking up from birthday parties. Can a CPS investigator photograph the interior of your home? How clean, safe and well-maintained is the property? Food must be readily available to your children, so make sure that your refrigerator, pantry, and cupboards are stocked with healthy food. If your complaint is about ethical conduct or licensing issues, there are state licensing boards that address complaints about licensed professionals. Under this principle, there are several factors that courts consider, among them: the wishes of the child's parents; the wishes of the child; the interaction and interrelationship of the child with their parents; the child's interaction and interrelationship with siblings, and any other individual who may significantly affect the child's best Our child custody home inspection will assess the condition of the house and identify major items needing improvement or repair, especially those which may affect a childs safety. Contact us. A home inspector will report everything that touches on the cleanliness of the environment, whether they are dog or cat feces, litter all over the place, and the cleanliness of the toilets among other places. Have at least one suitable fire extinguisher located on each floor of the home, and have a working smoke detector in every room. Parent Custody Checklist 1. How clean, safe and well-maintained is the property? Broken appliances, malfunctioning utilities (or the lack thereof), shattered glass, stairs without gates, mold, gas leaks, and other safety hazards may catch the CPS workers attention. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. If you are battling a child custody case and you arent aware of what the home inspectors are coming to do, here is a checklist to help you prepare. 1-866-337-2900. After the inspection is made, a report is made and presented to the judge to be used during the case. Also- if you permit CPS to photograph your child about the investigation, then any injuries like bruising or cuts will be documented in that manner. At FindLaw.com, we pride ourselves on being the number one source of free legal information and resources on the web. Available in-person, by phone, or by video. section, or visit the Child Custody section for other related topics. A special concern about firearms: Along with the rights we have to own firearms comes a responsibility to make sure that they are inaccessible to children. If you have a complaint against an evaluator with Family Court Services, talk to the director ofFamily Court Services program in your courtto find out about the complaint process. Any issues that can be negotiated before court, can save 3X the amount of time in court and thousands of dollars. Ill-disposed. Tw.'Z0^` s'8XW/h,n!&l3)QM/nknavM]9d9 y_jb(K5M Sbk>1006.D0-d*dLx4ftc0'OdGOra[Ia}g}9x}?4hdx219ZW5C7XF*UsG+6q|9^eW&]w@6vk^|WYn&jhNUtP:jtNYf|4l@yb[$L|tH76[:~Sz.'y6=}"=-@O-b,qE-RB t@^grJm)Ng?eK2g*2"R;?/,bgtf}JYs G _wyAu}6$KzVKW6pE lKY)WCe)Vlygz@HY@Fe^7~8MUZ8i.NU/oN ]~ a>(2&66!0K]}7kH=5xW}I1{DszQMser9oxV(V yD(Z'+5*rvF,J2:9:E7rMDm|\fh>O1&XFpyKXk'i1ffN1H}L6cET\fG(`RX J When the caseworker arrives at your home for an inspection, they must . Yes. The bottom line is that you need to think about what CPS will find in your home. An inspection cannot be done, however. The appearance of the bedroom and how it is organized will make way into the report of an inspector. Not only you but your spouse and any other adult living in your home will be looked into to determine if they pose a potential risk of harm to your child. This checklist includes checking of exteriors, roof, interior, fireplace, garage and yard. What family relationships exist within the household? What CPS does after determining in your case- tomorrow's blog post topic. q Is the home reasonably clean? %PDF-1.7 When Child Protective Services (CPS) conducts a home inspection, they are looking for any evidence of neglect or abuse. #;"cMo AJ[oS. -Z]4bc1?mJ>+O[`U Talk to us about how we can do the same for you and yours. If there is a garden with fresh food, vegetables, and fruits, that becomes a plus for the parent. If you have a teenage child, keep in mind that they are probably old enough to give consent for the CPS employee to enter your home and for photographs to be taken. If you are under investigation by CPS, or believe CPS will soon place you under investigation, the time to call a lawyer is now: we will help guide you through the process. The mere thought of a complete stranger coming to your home and taking your children away from you is terrifying. The evaluator may require you or the other parent to have a pychological evaluation. A home inspection may also be paid for by your spouse, using a a private inspector as an expert to go out and check your place out. DAILY CUSTODY TIP: Does your house pass the householdchecklist? CPS will look for any hazards, including electrical equipment, chemicals, and thermal contact, that could result in burn injuries to a child. Copyright 2023 Best for the Children. %uL +|QdQDcH 2-9NYYeflE View all posts by Mark S. Guralnick, Esq., Ph.D. Write like a doctor (Make a Detailed Medical Chart for EachChild), Let the Other Side Have It! The evaluator may speakwith your child's teacher, daycare provider, doctors, and other adults who live in your home or know your child well. ~>/W[cX|gyYqeD9 dcSj)=zJZzYM 8lI M 36Ae[3e#\Ii|5Z)ZI,]dvjeSY'"dpo7j}Ct2L;#W8hrFGD^s:{*namS*jx|sDQwz +]*Svj6'02HO;k6fEtljLy:*8b&s="7bpa86! A home inspector would list the food items in the fridge and if well-stocked with fruits, cereals, bread, and milk among other supplies, that will be considered more suitable for the child than when the fridge is dry and empty. Before making any decision or accepting any legal advice, you should have a proper legal consultation with a licensed attorney with whom you have an attorney-client privilege.