Until they are grown, children are dependent on adults and they need their protection.When they go to court because they have been hurt or not cared for by their parents, this is called a juvenile dependency case. If parents fail to care for their children properly, a juvenile court steps in. The child is then said to be a dependent of the court.
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.
A permanent plan can also be made for the child if the guardian totally lacks the capacity to provide the child with a conducive environment for good growth. This is whereby the judge will find the minor another home where the child will be safe and secure.
Social workers, who are responsible for trying to keep children safe, play a very important role. When children get abused or even neglected, they are the people who take up the task to find them a better home. They ask judges in court so that they decide the best way to assist 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.
Lawyers are also important in such cases. They speak for all the parties involved in the court. People who are usually represented by a lawyer include the social worker, the parents or guardians and any other parties involved in the case. It is the right of every party to be represented by a lawyer in court.
At times the court appoints a Court Appointed Special Advocate. This may be an individual who volunteers to help with the dependency case. They talk to other people, mostly children, and then they recount to the judge what they have learnt. The special advocates spend time with the children listening to them. Later, they tell the story to the court. Apart from that, they also make suggestion to the court about what can be done to provide the child with a healthy and safe 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 are bound by responsibilities that they should be aware of. The dependency case should be taken with seriousness and every court hearing should be attended as well as the court meetings. If there should arise any problems regarding the treatment plans set by the court, the social workers and treatment providers should be made aware in due time.
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.
A permanent plan can also be made for the child if the guardian totally lacks the capacity to provide the child with a conducive environment for good growth. This is whereby the judge will find the minor another home where the child will be safe and secure.
Social workers, who are responsible for trying to keep children safe, play a very important role. When children get abused or even neglected, they are the people who take up the task to find them a better home. They ask judges in court so that they decide the best way to assist 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.
Lawyers are also important in such cases. They speak for all the parties involved in the court. People who are usually represented by a lawyer include the social worker, the parents or guardians and any other parties involved in the case. It is the right of every party to be represented by a lawyer in court.
At times the court appoints a Court Appointed Special Advocate. This may be an individual who volunteers to help with the dependency case. They talk to other people, mostly children, and then they recount to the judge what they have learnt. The special advocates spend time with the children listening to them. Later, they tell the story to the court. Apart from that, they also make suggestion to the court about what can be done to provide the child with a healthy and safe 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 are bound by responsibilities that they should be aware of. The dependency case should be taken with seriousness and every court hearing should be attended as well as the court meetings. If there should arise any problems regarding the treatment plans set by the court, the social workers and treatment providers should be made aware in due time.
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