Child in Need of Protection & Services (CHIPS)

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Minnesota Child protection Lawyers 

Defending Your Rights in CHIPS Cases

When Child Protection Services (CPS) gets involved in your family, it can be overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. Whether you’re a parent seeking to reunite with your child, a relative trying to provide care, or someone facing allegations of neglect or abuse, you need strong legal representation to navigate the system and protect your rights.

At Johnson/Turner, we understand that these cases are deeply personal and require a compassionate, strategic approach. We assign every client a dedicated team—including an experienced child protection attorney, two paralegals, a client engagement specialist, and a life coach—so you’re fully supported throughout the process.

Our fixed-fee pricing ensures you know exactly what to expect, so you can focus on what matters most—your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start taking control of your case.

What Is a CHIPS Case?

A Child in Need of Protection and Services (CHIPS) case is a legal proceeding in which the court determines whether a child needs state intervention due to alleged abuse, neglect, abandonment, truancy, or other safety concerns. These cases are typically initiated by Child Protection Services (CPS) after a report is made regarding a child’s welfare.

A CHIPS case can lead to temporary or permanent changes in custody, court-ordered services for parents, or even the termination of parental rights. The process can be complex, making experienced legal guidance essential to protecting your rights and reuniting your family.

Common Reasons for CHIPS Cases

CHIPS cases can arise for many reasons, including:

  • Allegations of neglect – Failure to provide food, shelter, education, medical care, or supervision.
  • Abuse claims – Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse accusations.
  • Parental substance abuse – Drug or alcohol use that impacts parenting abilities.
  • Abandonment – A parent has left the child without proper care.
  • Truancy – A child is consistently missing school without a valid excuse.
  • Delinquent behavior – A child engaging in criminal activity or requiring court supervision.

If you are involved in a CHIPS case, you have the right to defend yourself and advocate for your child—and we’re here to help you do just that.

What Happens in a CHIPS Case?

CHIPS cases follow a structured court process, which may include:

  1. Investigation & Petition Filing – CPS investigates allegations and files a CHIPS petition with the court.
  2. Emergency Protective Care (EPC) Hearing – If a child is removed from the home, a hearing is held within 72 hours to determine temporary placement.
  3. Admit/Deny Hearing – Parents can admit or deny the allegations in the petition. If denied, the case proceeds to trial.
  4. Case Plan Development – If the court determines the child needs services, parents must follow a case plan to correct concerns and reunify the family.
  5. Review Hearings & Compliance Monitoring – The court checks whether parents are meeting case plan requirements.
  6. Permanency Hearing – If reunification isn’t achieved within the required timeframe, the court may order a transfer of custody, long-term foster care, or termination of parental rights.

Every case is different, and the outcome depends on how well you navigate the legal system. Having an experienced CHIPS attorney on your side can make all the difference.

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Why Choose Johnson/turner

How Johnson/Turner Can Help in a CHIPS Case

Our team understands that no two cases are the same, which is why we take a personalized approach to your situation. When you work with Johnson/Turner, we:

✔️ Advocate for your parental rights – We fight to keep your family together and challenge false or exaggerated claims.
✔️ Guide you through the case plan – If the court orders a plan for reunification, we help you understand and complete all required steps.
✔️ Defend against termination of parental rights (TPR) – If the state is seeking to terminate your rights, we provide aggressive defense strategies to fight for your role in your child’s life.
✔️ Help relatives and third parties – If you’re a grandparent, family member, or other concerned party seeking custody, we assist in securing kinship placement options.
✔️ Provide emotional support – Our free life coaching services help you stay strong and focused during this challenging time.

Contact Our Minnesota Child Protection Attorneys Today

A CHIPS case is one of the most serious legal matters a parent or guardian can face—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Johnson/Turner, we are dedicated to guiding you through this process, fighting for your parental rights, and helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your family.

📞 Call (651) 427-1473 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.

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Absolutely no obligation when you reach out for information. You need to make the best decision for you, we hope we can help.

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Life Coaching Services

Your legal well-being is our first concern, but we also want to help you create your own story. Matt Tuttle, our resident Life Coach, is here to help you navigate this difficult transition in your life by building on your strengths and abilities. As a client, you receive Matt’s Life Coaching service at no additional charge throughout the duration of your CHIPS case.

Child in Need of Protection and Services

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