CYF:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you represent me in my CYF matter?
- What is CYF?
- What is a dependent child?
- What is a shelter care hearing?
- What is an adjudicatory hearing?
- What is a Family Service Plan?
- What is termination of parental rights?
Can you represent me in my CYF matter?
Yes. Spivak Law Firm represents parents at all hearings initiated by Allegheny County Children Youth and Families (CYF) Services. We help parents navigate a complex legal process with the aim of preserving their parental rights. To schedule a consultation with a CYF attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is CYF?
CYF stands for Children Youth and Families (CYF) Services of Allegheny County. It is the governmental agency that investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect. In some counties, the agency is known as Child and Youth Services (CYS) or Child Protection Services (CPS). In Pennsylvania, the Juvenile Act provides child welfare agencies the authority to intervene in the lives of children who need state protections. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is a dependent child?
The Juvenile Act provides ten (10) definitions for a dependent child, including a child who: lacks proper parental care or control; has been abandoned; is without a parent, guardian or legal custodian; or is habitually truant from school. To learn more, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is a shelter care hearing?
The shelter care hearing represents the first court proceeding in a dependency action initiated by CYF. When CYF removes a child from the home, a shelter care hearing must occur within 72 hours to determine if the child can be returned home or should remain in another setting until a full hearing is conducted. The child may be temporarily placed with a relative, a foster parent or in a group home setting. The Court prefers to place the child with a relative, is possible. To discuss your CYF matter with an attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is an adjudicatory hearing?
The adjudicatory hearing determines if the allegations of abuse or neglect have been proven and support CYF’s intervention. This important hearing is followed by the disposition hearing, in which the Court determines who will have custody and control of a child who is deemed dependent. To speak with a family law attorney about your CYF case, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is a Family Service Plan?
A Family Service Plan is a detailed set of requirements that the family must successfully complete to be reunified or to end CYF in-home supervision of the family. Every three months, a review hearing is held to monitor the progress that the family makes on the Family Service Plan. For more information about the CYF process, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is termination of parental rights?
Termination of parental rights refers to the process for ending the rights of parents of a child. These include the rights to visit, communicate with and obtain information about the child. A Court’s decision to terminate parental rights is a precursor to adoption. To learn more about termination of parental rights, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.