California What Happens if Your Child is Taken from Your Home refers to the legal process and procedures in place when a child is removed from a parent's home due to abuse or neglect. Depending on the circumstances, the removal may be temporary or permanent. There are two types of removal of a child from a home in California — child welfare removal and law enforcement removal. Child Welfare Removal: In child welfare removal, the county child welfare agency will investigate allegations of abuse or neglect and, if needed, remove the child from the home. The agency will then work with the parents to create a plan to ensure safety for the child and work on reunification of the family. Law Enforcement Removal: Law enforcement removal occurs when law enforcement is called to a home due to a domestic dispute or other situation where the safety of the child is at risk. Law enforcement may remove the child from the home and place them in the custody of a relative or other suitable caregiver. In either case, the parents will be contacted and advised of the situation and their rights. The county child welfare agency will also be notified of the removal and will begin the process of determining the best course of action for the child and family.