When CPS opens an investigation in California, the case is governed by Welfare & Institutions Code § 300, the statute that defines what the court considers abuse, neglect, or risk of harm. Many parents are surprised to learn that Juvenile Dependency Court operates on strict timelines—detention must occur within days, jurisdiction and disposition follow quickly, and reunification services are limited to 6, 12, or 18 months depending on the case. Judges rely heavily on social worker reports, but those reports often contain errors, missing context, or assumptions that must be challenged by a skilled California CPS defense attorney. Because the burden of proof at detention is only “prima facie,” parents can lose custody temporarily even before the allegations are fully litigated. If CPS has contacted you, getting immediate legal representation is critical to protecting your rights and preventing unnecessary removal under California dependency law.