Children require protection from adults until they become grow ups and able to provide for themselves. However, sometimes they go to court because they have been hurt or not taken care of by their parents. This is called juvenile dependency. The court then comes in to protect the child, at which point the minor is said to be court dependent.
When this happens the minor is exposed to a variety of options. One, the minor may have to live with relatives or another family for a while. This is a foster care arrangement. Also, the child may still live with their parents but under court supervision. If the parent can later convince the court that they can properly care for the minor, the child can move back home. This is called reunification.
However, sometimes the guardians cannot be able to provide a secure home for their children. This compels the judge to find a home that is safe, where the child will be taken care of for a long time. They make a permanent plan for the child.
Social workers also play an important role in all this. They are the people who try to keep the children safe. They help children who get abused or neglected by finding another place for them to stay. They go to court so that the judge can decide the best way to help the child.
A judge is the person who has the last and final decision with regards to a dependency case. He reviews the case and considers the safety of the minor before making the final decision about how the child will be taken care of.
Also important in such cases are lawyers. They represent all the parties named in the case. Those who usually have lawyers are the social worker, the individual currently caring for the child and everyone else with a part in the case. Each and every party has the right to be represented in court by a lawyer.
Sometimes, individuals volunteer to assist in a dependency case. Such people are referred to as court appointed special advocate and their main responsibility is to speak to other people and to later tell the court what they have learnt. Most of the people they speak to include children and as a result, they tend to spend so much time with them. The advocates may also be required by court to give their opinion in how best they think the court can provide the child with the most conducive environment.
Children also play an important role in dependency court. They may be brought in as witnesses. This will make them subject to questions from the lawyers and sometimes even the judges. It is paramount that everything is done to make the child comfortable so as to ensure they give accurate and reliable information.
All parties have got certain responsibilities that should guide them. The case should be taken seriously and all court meetings and hearings should be attended. The treatment plans set by the court should be complied with and should there be any problem whatsoever, the social workers and treatment provider should be informed ahead of time. Involved parties should keep track of the court proceedings and all appointments.
When this happens the minor is exposed to a variety of options. One, the minor may have to live with relatives or another family for a while. This is a foster care arrangement. Also, the child may still live with their parents but under court supervision. If the parent can later convince the court that they can properly care for the minor, the child can move back home. This is called reunification.
However, sometimes the guardians cannot be able to provide a secure home for their children. This compels the judge to find a home that is safe, where the child will be taken care of for a long time. They make a permanent plan for the child.
Social workers also play an important role in all this. They are the people who try to keep the children safe. They help children who get abused or neglected by finding another place for them to stay. They go to court so that the judge can decide the best way to help the child.
A judge is the person who has the last and final decision with regards to a dependency case. He reviews the case and considers the safety of the minor before making the final decision about how the child will be taken care of.
Also important in such cases are lawyers. They represent all the parties named in the case. Those who usually have lawyers are the social worker, the individual currently caring for the child and everyone else with a part in the case. Each and every party has the right to be represented in court by a lawyer.
Sometimes, individuals volunteer to assist in a dependency case. Such people are referred to as court appointed special advocate and their main responsibility is to speak to other people and to later tell the court what they have learnt. Most of the people they speak to include children and as a result, they tend to spend so much time with them. The advocates may also be required by court to give their opinion in how best they think the court can provide the child with the most conducive environment.
Children also play an important role in dependency court. They may be brought in as witnesses. This will make them subject to questions from the lawyers and sometimes even the judges. It is paramount that everything is done to make the child comfortable so as to ensure they give accurate and reliable information.
All parties have got certain responsibilities that should guide them. The case should be taken seriously and all court meetings and hearings should be attended. The treatment plans set by the court should be complied with and should there be any problem whatsoever, the social workers and treatment provider should be informed ahead of time. Involved parties should keep track of the court proceedings and all appointments.
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