Skilled Advocacy for DHHS Professionals in Child Welfare Cases

How Ben Hall Law Advocates for DHHS Professionals in Child Welfare Cases

Protecting Those Who Protect Michigan’s Children

At Ben Hall Law, we are proud to serve as legal counsel for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in child abuse and neglect proceedings across the state. These cases are emotionally charged, legally complex, and have lifelong impacts on children and families, and the professionals entrusted to protect them.

When DHHS is represented by a local prosecutor’s office, too often you will see a rotation of assistant prosecutors who are unfamiliar with the facts of the case, unfamiliar with DHHS policies and procedures, and even unfamiliar with abuse and neglect law. In reality, this means DHHS is on its own, and nobody is looking out for the workers. This leads to incorrect decisions that negatively impact child safety, violation of rights and lawsuits, needless and costly appeals, and decisions that negatively impact DHHS.

With a unique background that includes service as a CPS investigator, a Michigan law enforcement officer, and an Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor, our team brings unmatched insight and credibility to the courtroom. We understand the real-world demands placed on frontline child welfare staff and are committed to defending your work, your integrity, and your mission.

Our firm is trusted by DHHS professionals across Michigan for our ability to:

• Aggressively litigate child protection proceedings in juvenile courts
• Provide strategic legal advice on removal decisions, safety planning, and long-term case management
• Prepare and support testimony from CPS workers, law enforcement, medical and mental health professionals
• Draft persuasive petitions, court reports, and motions
• Represent DHHS in every hearing—from emergency removal to termination of parental rights and beyond
• Handle appeals grounded in child safety and DHHS policies

We know the legal landscape inside and out, including the Michigan Juvenile Code, Child Protection Law, and federal statutes like ICWA and ASFA.

Why Michigan DHHS Employees Trust Ben Hall Law

• Courtroom Experience: We’ve managed hundreds of high-stakes child welfare cases.
• Trauma-Informed Advocacy: We center the child while ensuring that the liability to DHHS is minimized
• Clear Communication: DHHS staff receive consistent updates and collaborative support.
• Specialized Expertise: Our team knows CPS policies, permanency planning, and foster care standards.
• Your Attorney: We are your attorney! Unlike a local prosecutor’s office who will act without regard to DHHS, we give the position of DHHS a voice.
• Public Service Roots: We understand the scrutiny, urgency, and risks public employees face—and we fight to protect your reputation and career.

Training & Support for Field Staff

In addition to litigation, we routinely provide training and education for DHHS staff, including:

• Courtroom preparation and testimony
• Legal documentation best practices
• Investigative procedure guidance
• Risk assessment and permanency planning

Our Attorneys Also Focus on the Following Areas:

• Police Officer Defense
• Public Service Employees
• Fraud and Theft Defense
• Murder Defense
• Assault Defense

Serving Every County Across Michigan

From metro regions to rural counties and tribal jurisdictions, Ben Hall Law delivers consistent, high-quality representation to DHHS employees throughout the state.

Protect Your Mission. Protect Your Future.

Your work is critical—and often underappreciated. If you are a DHHS supervisor, investigator, or caseworker, and your role places you in court, Ben Hall Law is here to stand beside you.

Call 877-BEN-HALL or Contact Us to schedule a confidential consultation.

RESOURCES:

• Protective Proceedings Benchbook
• ICWA Benchbook
• National Association of Counsel for Children
• Child Protection Law
• Children’s Protective Services
• DHHS Policies