What to Expect When CPS Is Called

 Posted on November 23, 2025 in Family Law

As a parent, finding out that Child Protective Services (CPS) is investigating your household is alarming. However, you should not respond with panic upon receiving notice from a caseworker. A Llano, TX family law attorney can advise you of your rights as a parent and help you navigate the investigation.

During a CPS investigation, any misstep could endanger your parental rights, which makes skilled legal advocacy and counsel a must. At Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC, we have over 20 years of legal experience, so you can trust our lawyer to provide you with sound legal advice drawing from his long history of practicing family law.

When Does CPS Investigate a Household?

In general, Child Protective Services will intervene whenever there are allegations of abuse or neglect of a child. In fact, some people are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect when there is reason to believe that a child’s physical health, mental health, or welfare is at risk (Texas Family Code Sec. 261.101). Some of these required reporters include:

• Teachers

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Day-care employees

• Juvenile detention officers

Even if information about suspected abuse or neglect is shared with another party confidentially, that party must still report it to CPS under state law.

What Will a CPS Investigator Look For?

When CPS is called to investigate a home, the caseworker’s main priority is to determine whether or not the allegations of abuse or neglect are true. To verify the allegations, the caseworker will conduct interviews with multiple parties, including the child believed to be at risk. Parents and other family members may also be interviewed to gather information, though participation in the interview is voluntary. The caseworker may also look for formal documentation, such as medical records.

You are allowed to have an attorney present while you are being questioned by CPS. In fact, having an attorney present is highly advisable, since any statements you make to the caseworker could have ramifications later on.

Outcomes of a CPS Investigation

Before the investigation concludes, the investigator will assess the risk to the child and issue a formal finding based on the available evidence. If the caseworker finds that there is reason to believe the alleged abuse occurred, the child may be removed from the home and the alleged offender may lose conservatorship rights.

If a CPS investigation against you results in a finding of "reason to believe," you have a right to contest it. This administrative appeal must be filed within 45 days of being given notice. Our firm can help you build a case to protect your parental rights and take swift legal action on your behalf.

Contact a Llano County, TX Family Law Attorney

If you have been accused of child abuse or neglect, do not wait to seek legal representation. At Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC, we have the skills and resources to stand up for your parental rights. Call us at 325-216-2006 to schedule an initial consultation with our Llano, TX child custody lawyer.