Child Welfare Cases

What Is a CINA Case?

A Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) case is a legal proceeding initiated when a child is believed to be:

• Abused or neglected

• Has a developmental “disability or a mental disorder”

• The child’s parent, guardian, or custodian is unable or unwilling to provide proper care and attention to the child and the child’s needs.

These cases are serious and can lead to temporary or even long-term loss of custody if not handled properly. They can also lead to termination of parental rights (TPR). When Child Protective Services (CPS)¹ opens an investigation, time is critical. You may be facing:

• Emergency removal of your child from your home

• Court hearings with little time to prepare

• Pressure to sign safety or service agreements

Before signing anything, speak with an attorney who understands the CINA process and your parental rights.

What to Expect in a CINA Case

Shelter Hearing

Held within 24–72 hours if a child is removed. The judge decides if the child can return home or must stay in temporary care.

Adjudicatory Hearing

Held within 30-60 days. The court determines whether the allegations of abuse or neglect are more likely than not.

Disposition Hearing

If the child is found to be a CINA, the judge decides the nature of the court’s intervention to protect the child, including services, custody arrangements, and family reunification plans.

Review Hearings

Ongoing status hearings with the court to monitor progress and decide whether the child can be safely returned home or whether more permanent out-of-home placement is appropriate.

If you have been contacted by CPS or are facing a CINA case in court, you are likely feeling deeply concerned about your child’s future. Even in the most serious cases, families can be reunited. CINA cases move quickly. The earlier you have legal support, the better your chances of protecting your parental rights and building a strong path to reunification.

¹The agency may have a different name depending on the jurisdiction. In the District of Columbia, the agency is the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA).