Educational Facilities, Pre-schools, After-school Programs
If you are a pre-school, or provide educational services outside of the K-12 arena, you are regulated by the California Department of Social Services. All such providers of educational services must have a license to conduct their business and provide education to the children of the State of California.
Not only must the educational provider itself be licensed, but each and every person that works in the facility must undergo a background check and have proper accreditation and clearance.
If you want to run an educational facility, or are facing scrutiny from the Department of Social Services because of your or your employee’s previously criminal background, because of compliance issues, or because of other matters that arise during the regulation of your business, you need an experienced attorney.
That means you may need the counsel and advice of an attorney like Scott J. Harris, Esq. From building your business and gaining licensure, to defending against Accusations and Citations filed by the Department of Social Services, knowing your rights, obligations and remedies is very important.
Defending your business and license can be an overwhelming and daunting task, and can mean the difference between the continued operation of your business, and its closure. Thus, you should consult an attorney with experience before the Department of Social Services and in administrative law.
Scott J. Harris, Esq. and S J Harris Law can help the following care providers:
- Family / Home Child Care
- Day Care and Pre-Schools
- Foster Care
We can assist you with issues such as:
- Initial Licensure
- Criminal Record Exemptions
- Background Reviews
- Accusation Defense
- Citation Defense
- Out of Ratio Issues
- Allegations of lack of Compliance
- Allegations of Child Abuse
- License Issues due to Criminal Convictions
- License Issues due to Alcohol and Drug Use
California Department Of Social Services Defense
Criminal Record/background Exemptions
All persons over the age of 18 who wish to work in facilities that provide services to children must undergo a background check and finger printing.
If you unfortunately have a criminal conviction in your record, this could inhibit your ability to obtain the proper clearance from the Department of Social Services. However, our experienced California attorneys can work with you to demonstrate rehabilitation and to obtain either a conditional or full clearance so that you can work with children.
This is true for employees, relatives who reside within child and family day cares, and for many others who may come in contact and work with children in pre-schools, day-cares and with foster children.
You should consult a lawyer like Scott J. Harris, Esq., to determines what rights, remedies and solutions exist to ensure your criminal history and personal background does not get in the way of being a caregiver and nurturer to our State’s children.
Scott J. Harris, Esq. and S J Harris Law can help the following care providers:
- Family / Home Child Care
- Day Care and Pre-Schools
- Foster Care
Our lawyers can assist you with issues such as:
- Initial Licensure
- Criminal Record Exemptions
- Accusation Defense
- Citation Defense
- Out of Ratio Issues
- Allegations of lack of Compliance
- Allegations of Child Abuse
- License Issues due to Criminal Convictions
- License Issues due to Alcohol and Drug Use
For more information about Scott J. Harris, Esq., contact him by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my California social services license is suspended?
If your social services license has been suspended, you may not be able to work, or may have to continue education in order to reinstate your license. If you have had your license suspended, contact a social services license defense attorney immediately.
Do I need a lawyer for a legal investigation against my social services license?
Depending of the severity of the violation, there is a possible risk of disciplinary actions including license suspension, license revocation, or loss of job. Therefore, the best way to protect your license would be to hire a lawyer who specializes in defense of licenses.
What do I do if I had a violation against my social services license?
A complaint or investigation into a professional license is a legal concern. This is due to the fact that your social worker’s license is a legal contract with the state licensing board, and any violation is a breach of that contract. It’s best to have a legal expert on your side while dealing with legal concerns.
