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DCFS Procedures and DCFS Locations

Sherman and Fung • January 31, 2020

If you are dealing with a DCFS case you should speak with an attorney about your case. Child custody and neglect cases go through a very strict process that can take a lot of experience to work through. Your goals and those of the people representing DCFS may be very different. Each side will say they are doing what’s in the best interest of the children, though what the parents feel is best for their kids is usually them living together. That’s not always the way DCFS will see things. In fact sometimes they will recommend children get placed with a different family member, or be put into the foster care system.


Note: some of this information may be out-of-date. Please contact a Family Law Attorney, or the DCFS directly for the most current information


Each child abuse case is different so it’s important to work with an attorney who has experience with DCFS cases, and can help navigate the system. You will want to be clear about your goals and what outcome you want to see. Going up against DCFS can be an up-hill battle so it’s best to be well prepared and work with someone you trust.


Be clear with your Attorney about why DCFS got involved. Sometimes it’s through a mandated reporter such as a teacher, a teacher’s aide, or a doctor. If one of these mandated reporters even thinks there are signs of abuse they may contact DCFS and report what they think are abuse or neglect problems. Regardless of the facts, you may now be entangled in a child abuse case. We have seen numerous cases where a teacher sees bruises and reports this as possible child abuse regardless of what the child says happened. The burden now shifts to the parents trying to prove that abuse never happened. This can take a long time and involve experts, court meetings at Children’s Court, witness testimony, and a lot of emotions.


And know the process, procedures, and DCFS forms can and will change. So any information you find online may not be completely up-to-date or accurate. Make sure you are using the most current information available, and your lawyer has access to the information they need to fight DCFS.

Here are some of the DCFS forms you should be aware of, and can work with your attorney on. Note these were taken from the DCFS web-site and are assumed to be up-to-date only based on the date they were taken:


DCFS 9-6, Search Folder

DCFS 136, Due Diligence Search Request

DCFS 137, Search/Parent

DCFS 138, Search/Contact

DCFS 139, Search/Neighbor

DCFS 140, Search/Employer

DCFS 141, Search/Registrar

DCFS 142, Search/Postmaster

DCFS 144, Search/Motor Vehicles Out-of-State

DCFS 145, Search/Out-of-State Corrections

DCFS 146, Search/Military Services

DCFS 280, Technical Assistance Action Request

INF 254, Gov’t Agency Request for Drivers License/Identification Record Information

DCFS Locations


If you want to know the different DCFS locations you can go to the locations page on their web-site. The information is also provided below (accurate as of 4/7/2014) which was taken from the DCFS web-site.


SPA 1Palmdale [map]
39959 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
Paul Gaeta, ER R.A. (661) 471-1369
Laura Shotzbarger, CS R.A. (661) 223-4111

Reception (661) 223-4200


Lancaster [map]
300 E Avenue K6, Lancaster, CA 93535
Paul Gaeta, ER RA 661-471-1369
Laura Shotzbarger, CS R.A. (661) 223-4111
Reception (661) 471-1075SPA 2

San Fernando Valley
[map]
20151 Nordhoff St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Adrienne Olson, ER RA
(818) 717-4802
Paul Freedlund, CS RA
(661) 702-6202
Reception
(818) 717-4002/4009West San Fernando Valley [map]
20151 Nordhoff St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Adrienne Olson, ER RA
(818) 717-4802
Paul Freedlund, CS RA
(661) 702-6202
Reception
(818) 717-4009Santa Clarita [map]
28490 Avenue Stanford
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Adrienne Olson, ER RA
(818) 717-4802
Paul Freedlund, CS RA
(661) 702-6202
Reception
(661) 702-6262


SPA 3 Glendora [map]
725 S. Grand Ave.
Glendora, CA 91740
Rex White, ER RA
(626) 691-1692
Angela Parks-Pyles, CS RA
(909) 802-1512
Reception
(626) 691-1700Pasadena [map]
532 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Muzeyyen Balaban, ER R.A.
(626) 229-3737
Ed Sosa, CS R.A.
(626) 938-1823
Reception
(626) 229-3500Pomona [map]
801 Corporate Center Drive
Pomona, CA 91768
Rex White, ER RA
(626) 691-1692
Angela Parks-Pyles, CS RA
(909) 802-1512
Reception
(909) 802-1300El Monte [map]
4024 Durfee Ave.
El Monte, CA 91732
Muzeyyen Balaban, ER R.A.
(626) 229-3737
Ed Sosa, CS R.A.
(626) 938-1823
Reception (626) 455-4660| Covina Annex (Specialized Programs) [map]
| 1373 E. Center Court Dr., Covina, CA 91724
| Ed Sosa, CS RA
| (626) 229-3737
| (626) 938-1610
| Reception (626) 938-1601


SPA 4Metro North [map]
1933 S. Broadway, Suite 6
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Helen Maxwell, ER Division Chief (323) 900-2200
Michael Rauso, CS RA (213) 763-1528
Reception (213) 763-1440


SPA 5West LA [map]
5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Helen Maxwell, ER Division Chief (323) 900-2200
Michael Rauso, CS RA (213) 763-1528
Reception (323) 900-2222


SPA 6Vermont Corridor [map]
8300 S. Vermont Ave. 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90044
W. Stephen Long, CS RA
(323) 965-5171
Reginald Carter, ER RA
(310) 668 – 6605
Reception (323) 965-7060Compton (New Office) [map]
921 E. Compton Blvd.
Compton, CA 90221
W. Stephen Long, CS RA
(323) 965-5171
Reginald Carter, ER RA
(310) 668 – 6605
Reception (310) 668-6600Compton West
11539 Hawthorne Blvd., 1st Floor,
Hawthorne, CA 90250
W. Stephen Long, CS RA
(323) 965-5171
Reception (310) 263-2178Wateridge [map]
5110 W. Goldleaf Circle
Los Angeles, CA 90056
Iris Courtney, ER R.A.
(323) 290-8699
Danaette Page, CS R.A.
(323) 290-8437
Reception (323) 290-8500


SPA 7Belvedere [map]
5835 S. Eastern Ave., Commerce, CA 90040
Art Lieras, CS RA (323) 725-4500
Jennifer A. Lopez, ER RA (562) 903-5101
Reception (323) 725-4401Santa Fe Springs [map]
10355 Slusher Dr., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Jennifer A. Lopez, ER RA (562) 903-5101
Art Lieras, CS RA (323) 725 – 4500
Reception (562) 903-5000


SPA 8Torrance [map]
2325 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501
Tedji Dessalegn, ER RA (310) 972-3114
Charles Tadlock, CS RA (562) 497-3303
Reception (310) 972-3111South County [map]
4060 Watson Plaza Drive, Lakewood, CA 90712
Charles Tadlock, CS RA (562) 497-3303
Tedji Dessalegn, ER RA (310) 972-3114
Reception (562) 497-3500SupportChild Protection Hotline [map]
1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Mitch Mason, RA (213) 351-5746
Reception (213) 763-1441 or (213) 639-4500Emergency Response Command Post [map]
1933 S. Broadway, 5th Floor,
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Frank Ramos, RA
(213) 765-7422
Reception (213) 763-1440 or (213) 639-4500Court Services [map]
201 Centre Plaza Dr., Monterey Park, CA 91754
Wanda Harris, Director (323) 526-6700
Reception (323) 526-6300Out-Of-Home Care [map]
9320 Telstar Avenue, Suite 216, El Monte, CA 91731
Karen Richardson, Division Chief (626) 569-6801
Reception (626) 569-6806Youth Development Services [map]
3530 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Harvey Kawasaki, Division Chief (213) 351-0102
Reception (213) 351-0105

List of Dependency Court Judges

By Sherman and Fung • March 1, 2022
This is a list of judges at the Edelman Court in Monterey Park, California. Monterey Park is located in East Los Angeles. These are the men and women who reside over DCFS cases including those cases involving allegations child abuse or child neglect.
Edelman

Edelman Children’s Court Judges – DCFS Judges

By Sherman and Fung • February 28, 2022
This is a list of judges at the Edelman Court in Monterey Park, California (as of Dec 2020). The list changes from time to time. You should check with the courthouse for the most up-to-date list of judges. These people are the ones you may reside over your case. They will hear all sides and make their decision. These are the judges who are assigned to DCFS related cases. If you have a court case at the Edelman Court house we highly recommend you work with an Attorney who has experience with Family Law.
Child Support Calculator

Child Support Calculator

By Sherman and Fung • September 8, 2020
Calculating child support in California is done using a formula. The State of California takes a lot of factors into account when determining child support payments. All that information goes into a calculator which then provides the amount to be paid. Some web-sites provide a calculator which you can use to get an estimate of your payments. However we highly recommend you speak with an Attorney since you want to ensure you are getting correct information. If you are trying to determine child support payments Contact Us to discuss your situation.
Child Abuse

Child Abuse Hotline, DCFS Hotline

By Sherman and Fung • September 8, 2020
If you are a parent or guardian and someone has accused you of child abuse or neglect they may have reported you to DCFS. If that happens we highly recommend you Contact a Family Law or DCFS Attorney immediately. The allegations could lead to the children being taken from your home, and even criminal charges depending on the complaint and the findings. The key is understanding the charges, and working with an attorney to determine the best course of action. You do not need to work with or hire an attorney though we recommend it based on our experience working on hundreds of DCFS cases.
child custody

Child Custody Order

By Sherman and Fung • September 8, 2020
If you are looking for information for a Child Custody order you may want to hire a Family Law Attorney who specializes in child custody cases. These orders deal with your rights when it comes to custody and visitation – So it is very important to get them right. These cases can also dictate who can make decisions on behalf of the children. There are a lot of web-sites with helpful information around child custody orders. It is good for parents and grandparents to be aware of the process and terminology. However these cases can be extremely complex and overwhelming. That’s why we recommend working with someone who knows child custody law.
Attorney

Beatrice K. Fung rated “Excellent” on Avvo

By Sherman and Fung • February 3, 2020
Attorney Beatrice K. Fung is rated “Excellent” on Avvo. The Avvo Attorney rating is based on numerous factors including years of service, client referrals, and referrals from other attorneys.
Juvenile Dependency

What Is a Juvenile Dependency Case?

By Sherman and Fung • February 3, 2020
A Juvenile Dependency case in one where there are charges of Abuse and Neglect of a child. If you are involved in a juvenile dependency case in Los Angeles you should contact an Attorney immediately. Ideally you will talk with a Family Law Attorney who specializes in these matters. And you want someone who has worked with DCFS in the past. Experience is what you want on your side.
Child Support

Lower Child Support Payments

By Sherman and Fung • February 2, 2020
In Los Angeles a lot of parents ask us about lowering their child support payments. Definitely speak with an attorney if this is your goal so they can help you figure out if this is an option. You can contact our office anytime and someone will respond right away. Typically the court will use a formula to determine the child support payments, though you may want to talk with your lawyer about the process and what information comes into play. If you have all of your financial information available they may be able to tell you the approximate change in your monthly child support payments.

Reasons for a Divorce

By Sherman and Fung • February 1, 2020
In all our years as a Family Law Attorney in Beverly Hills we have seen numerous reasons for people getting divorced. Fact is there isn’t a “good” reason to get divorced, though they are some bad ones. If you and your partner want to get divorced we highly recommend you call us up to set up a consultation. We are not going to try to talk you in or out of the decision. We have had numerous clients decide divorce is not for them and they are going to try to reconcile. We are very happy when couples decide to stay together. So the question remains – why do people get divorced? People get divorced for a number of reasons. These include financial issues, communications problems, and the couple not working on their relationship.
Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court

Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court

By Sherman and Fung • January 30, 2020
A lot of our cases are held at the Edelman Children’s Court, also know as the Juvenile Dependency Court. This is where child dependency cases are heard in Los Angeles. These cases involve allegations of child abuse, child neglect, and exploitation. If you are dealing with a DCFS case, your case will probably be heard here. We wanted to share some basic information around the courthouse in case you need to attend in person.
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