When CPS Knocks: What Every Suffolk County Parent Needs to Know

It’s a moment that can stop your heart: a knock at the door, and standing outside is a Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworker asking to speak with you — or worse, your child. The flood of emotions that follows is immediate and intense — fear, confusion, anger, disbelief. You may not even know why they’re there, but you suddenly realize that everything you say or do could affect your family’s future.

If you find yourself in this situation, remember one thing: you have rights. A CPS visit is serious, but it doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It means that someone — a teacher, a doctor, a neighbor, or an anonymous caller — has made a report, and CPS is required by law to investigate.

Attorney Steven Zalewski, Esq., based in Islandia, NY, has handled thousands of CPS-related cases throughout Suffolk County. With over four decades of experience in Family Court law, he helps parents navigate these investigations while ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

What Is CPS and Why Are They at Your Door?

Child Protective Services (CPS) is the state agency responsible for investigating reports of child abuse or neglect under Article 10 of the New York Family Court Act.

While CPS operates under the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), cases in Suffolk County are managed by the Suffolk County Department of Social Services (DSS). Their role is to determine whether a child is in danger — not to prove criminal guilt — but their findings can have major legal and emotional consequences for your family.

Common reasons CPS might appear at your door include:

• Anonymous reports of suspected neglect or abuse.
• Reports from teachers, doctors, or neighbors who believe a child is unsafe or unsupervised.
• Hospital visits involving injuries, medical neglect, or poor living conditions.

Understanding the CPS Investigation Process

The Initial Visit

CPS caseworkers often arrive without warning. They will identify themselves and explain that they’re there to investigate a report. During this visit, they may ask to:

• Speak with you and your children (sometimes separately).
• Enter and inspect your home.
• Ask questions about your child’s schooling, medical care, or who lives in your home.

Your Rights During a CPS Visit

You are not powerless when CPS knocks. Remember:

• You have the right to ask for identification before allowing anyone into your home.
• You have the right to refuse entry unless CPS has a court order or there’s an emergency (exigent circumstance) where a child is in immediate danger.
• You can decline to answer questions until you have spoken to your attorney.
• Once you retain an attorney, you can request that all communication go through your lawyer.
• If CPS claims there’s an emergency, they must explain the specific danger that justifies immediate action.

The Follow-Up Investigation

After the initial visit, CPS typically has 60 days to complete its investigation. During this time, they may:

• Conduct additional home visits.
• Speak with teachers, doctors, and relatives.
• Review medical or criminal records.
• Offer or require you to attend parenting classes, counseling, or substance abuse treatment.

At the conclusion of the investigation, CPS will classify the report as either:

• Indicated (supported): Evidence of neglect or abuse was found.
• Unfounded (not supported): No credible evidence was found.

An “indicated” report can have long-lasting effects, including placement on the State Central Register (SCR) — a database accessible to certain employers, schools, and agencies.

What CPS Can — and Cannot — Do

CPS can:

• Investigate credible reports of neglect or abuse.
• Interview your children (even at school).
• Seek a court order to enter your home or remove a child if there’s immediate danger.

CPS cannot:

• Force entry into your home without a court order or clear emergency.
• Permanently remove your child without a Family Court order.
• Prevent you from seeking legal counsel.

It’s important to remember that CPS is not your ally. Their primary goal is to protect children and the agency’s interests — not to protect you. Parents need their own advocate to ensure that the investigation remains fair and that their constitutional rights are respected.

Your Rights and How to Protect Them

Parents in Suffolk County have strong legal rights, including:

• The right to an attorney (court-appointed if you can’t afford one).
• The right to be informed of the allegations against you.
• The right to a fair hearing before a judge.
• The right to present your own evidence and witnesses.
• The right to appeal any finding of neglect or abuse.

The most important step you can take is to hire a family law attorney who understands how CPS and the Suffolk County Family Court operate. An experienced attorney can prevent misunderstandings, challenge unlawful actions, and fight for the best outcome for your family.

Protect Your Family Before It’s Too Late

When CPS knocks, every decision you make matters. You don’t have to face the system alone — and you shouldn’t. Having an experienced Suffolk County family law attorney on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights, your reputation, and your children’s future.

If CPS has contacted you or appeared at your home, call Steven Zalewski, Esq. immediately. With over 40 years of experience in family law, he understands how stressful and overwhelming these investigations can be — and he will fight to ensure your family is treated fairly under the law.

📞 Cell: +1-516-660-4354
📞 Office: (516) 377-7830
📧 Email: steve@zandzfamilylawyers.com
📍 Address: 1601 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 500, Islandia, NY 11749

Steven Zalewski believes that family law is law about life. Protect your family today by scheduling a confidential consultation.