Parents Have Rights!

When your child is taken from your care, you have rights to protect you and your family, including:

• The right to have an lawyer present.
• The right to go to and participate in all court hearings about your children (unless your parental rights are terminated).
• The right to understand what is happening in court. There will be many things that you do not understand.  An attorney can explain them to you.  This is really important...so keep asking questions until you understand.
• The right to an interpreter.  If you speak a language other than English and do not understand what is happening in court, an attorney will ask the judge for an interpreter on your behalf.
• The right to know what you need to do to get your child back home with you.

The first step to get your kids back is to be properly represented.  Choose an attorney who is familiar with Juvenile Dependency proceedings and not afraid to help you fight for your family. 

Having a lawyer with experience in dependency litigation can help you protect your family.  I can assist you at every stage of the proceedings, including:

• The Detention / Initial Hearing (WIC 319)The Jurisdictional Hearing (WIC 355)
• The Dispositional Hearing (WIC 358)
  • Where your child will live
  • How often you can visit with your child
  • What services you need to make your child safe and able to return home
  • What services your child needs to be safe and healthy
• Understanding your case plan
• 6, 12 and 18 Month Review Hearings (WIC 366.21(e), (f), 366.22)
  • To decide whether to return your child to you, dismiss you case, or continue with an ordered plan
  • To make sure your social worker has helped you get the services you need
  • To make sure that your child is being taken care of well and properly
  • To make sure you are working on your case plan
• Reunification
• Termination of Reunification Services
• The Selection and Implementation Hearing (WIC 366.26)
  • Adoption
  • Legal Guardianship, or
  • Long-term planned permanent living arrangement (foster care)
• The filing of any Notice of Appeal (if necessary)