In North Dakota, a Child in Need of Protection case is a legal proceeding where a child welfare agency, usually through social services, petitions the court to intervene in the care of a minor due to suspected abuse, neglect, abandonment, or unsafe living conditions.

This is a civil process governed by North Dakota Century Code § 27-20.1, often initiated after reports to Child Protective Services (CPS). If the child is found to be in danger or without proper parental care, the court can issue orders removing the child from the home, placing them in foster care, or imposing strict supervision on the parents or guardians.

Although not a criminal charge itself, CHiNP proceedings can trigger or be accompanied by criminal charges such as child abuse, neglect of a child, or endangerment. In Bismarck, Minot, Williston, and Dickinson, these cases move quickly and can result in loss of custody, even before a full hearing is held.

At Heartland Law Office, we understand how devastating and emotionally charged these proceedings are. Whether you’re facing a CPS investigation or already involved in a CHiNP petition, we fight to defend your parental rights, challenge unsubstantiated allegations, and guide you through every step of the process.