Sacramento County CPS Defense Attorney
Aggressive juvenile dependency defense for families in Sacramento County. Attorney Taryn Scharf fights to protect your parental rights.
CPS Investigations in Sacramento County
If you are facing a CPS investigation in Sacramento County, you need an attorney who understands the local juvenile dependency system. In Sacramento County, child welfare investigations are handled by the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS). Cases are heard at the Sacramento County Juvenile Courthouse, 9605 Kiefer Boulevard. Attorney Taryn Scharf represents parents, grandparents and relatives in Sacramento County juvenile dependency proceedings.
Sacramento County Programs and Resources for Parents
From the county’s and the court’s own websites, checked September 2026. Scharf Law is not affiliated with these programs; your case plan and the court’s orders decide which apply to you.
Dependency Family Treatment Court
For parents struggling with addiction who have a dependency petition filed against them. Parents are referred by their dependency judge or file a Motion for Inclusion to be accepted into the program.
Substance use and mental health screening
The county’s entry point for substance use and mental health screening and referral is BHS-SAC: (916) 875-1055 or toll-free (888) 881-4881, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Family resource centers
Birth & Beyond family resource centers operate in nine Sacramento neighborhoods, overseen by the Child Abuse Prevention Center with DCFAS and First 5 Sacramento, and offer positive-parenting workshops and support groups.
Sacramento County CPS: What You Need to Know
CPS Agency: Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS)
Courthouse: Sacramento County Juvenile Courthouse, 9605 Kiefer Boulevard
Areas Served: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Arden-Arcade
How CPS cases work in Sacramento County
Sacramento County carries the largest juvenile dependency caseload in the region. Reports come in through the county hotline, are screened by DCFAS, and if a social worker decides a child is unsafe the county files a petition in dependency court at the Juvenile Courthouse on Kiefer Boulevard. Cases move on statutory deadlines from the first day, which is why families who call an attorney before the first hearing are in a stronger position than families who wait for court-appointed counsel to be assigned at the detention hearing.
- Child welfare agency
- Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS), Child Protective Services
- Report / hotline
- 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline (916) 875-5437 (875-KIDS)
- Dependency court
- Sacramento County Juvenile Courthouse, 9605 Kiefer Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95827, (916) 876-7753. All dependency matters have been heard here since January 20, 2026.
- From our office
- A short drive from our Folsom office via Highway 50.
Agency and court details verified September 2026 from county and court websites. Confirm hearing locations on your notice; courts occasionally reassign departments.
Sacramento County CPS questions
Who investigates CPS reports in Sacramento County?
The Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) runs Child Protective Services for the county. An emergency-response social worker screens the report, may visit your home, interview your children (sometimes at school), and decide whether to offer voluntary services, file a petition, or close the case.
Where are Sacramento County dependency cases heard?
At the Sacramento County Juvenile Courthouse, 9605 Kiefer Boulevard, where all dependency matters have been heard since January 20, 2026. Hearings are closed to the public; your notice gives the department and time.
Do I have to talk to the Sacramento County social worker?
You are not required to answer questions or allow entry without a warrant or court order unless there is an emergency. You can be polite, take the worker’s name and number, and say you will respond through your attorney. Read our guide to your rights during an investigation before you decide what to say.
How fast does the first hearing happen after a removal?
When a child is taken into protective custody, the county must file its petition within 48 hours (excluding weekends and court holidays) and the detention hearing is held promptly after that, normally the next court day. That hearing decides where your child lives while the case proceeds, so it is worth having your own attorney there.
Can Scharf Law meet with Sacramento County families?
Yes. Consultations are by phone or at our Folsom office, a short drive from the Kiefer Boulevard juvenile courthouse. Call (916) 782-3900.
Facing CPS in Sacramento County?
Attorney Taryn Scharf is ready to defend your family. Call now for a consultation.