1. Don't write letters to the judge. If your lawyer isn't doing a good job you can and should contact the court administrator and say you are having a problem with your representation. Just call the clerk of juvenile court (if that's where this is being done) and ask to speak to the juvenile court administrator. If they ask why explain you have some concerns about your counsel.
2. A lot of CPS is indirectly regulated by federal laws and regulations, much of this entering into state laws via uniform codes. Attorneys often overlook the opportunities provided by the federal regs. You said "unreasonable service plan". CPS is required to make "reasonable efforts" to prevent removal and/or reunify the family. The American Bar Association along with the National Child Welfare Reform Coalition has put together an analysis of what it takes for a judge to determine whether "reasonable efforts" have been made. You lawyer may not be inclined to question CPS' recommendations, but even if he doesn't the judge has a obligation to do so (a little known fact). Also, if there are barriers to services those barriers must be addressed, and services must be timely. Ie suppose they want you to do some program that has a 15-month waiting list. Well that's not a timely service and timeliness is part of whether services are reasonable. Type in "title IV-E" (refers to title 4-e of the Social Security act, which is the source of a lot of federal funding for child welfare purposes) in any search engine and you can find out about guidelines for CPS. The federal law that gives all this power to the states also requires that the states act with basic fairness. The state has to file a plan with the feds to receive funding, and if you contact your state human services people they should be able to tell you how to get a copy of your state's plan. Some states have them on their websites.
You might consider coming up with your own proposals for services and safety plans for the child. The service plan is SUPPOSED to be developed in collaboration with the family.
You have the right to see everything they have except the names of people making child protection reports. You have the right to see the investigation logs, case notes, the whole ball of wax. Also, keep in mind that appealing the CPS investigation is a SEPARATE process from the court business, and it is unlikely your lawyer will help you appeal. The appeal is done thru administrative means via the state agency that oversees child and family services. You should have received information on how to appeal.
It doesn't do you any good to say a CPS reporter is a con artst or engage in similar name calling. You want to focus on facts and everything you can think of that demonstrates your parenting strengths. It is very hard not to be angry and defensive once you land in this position but you must work hard on staying calm and focused. Think of this as the most crucial job interview (for the job of parenting your own child!) you have ever had. Keep a daily log with as much stuff as you can remember to write down--attempts to contact the social worker, for example, meetings you attend. Call around to organizations such as shelters, rape and abuse centers, university social work departments, or local hotlines to look for advocacy referrals. If there are any disability issues involved, contact your nearest Center for Independent Living or Protection and Advocacy organization. They receive federal and state funds to help protect the rights of people with disabilities, and the majority of CPS cases do involve some kind fo disability issue.
Do you still have a copy of previous investigation findings? If not see about getting a copy.
Go to DHHS, Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families websites and start looking around. You will find a lot of information on child welfare services and what kinds of standards they are supposed to abide by (and often do not). Also go to CPSwatch website.
