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.
As a court dependent, the minor is faced with a couple of options. They may have to live with another family or relatives under a foster care arrangement. Again, the parent may retain custody of the child but under court supervision. Later, if the parent can prove that they are able to take care of the child, the court can grant them permission to have their child back. This is referred to as 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, 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.
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 should be aware of their responsibilities since these will guide them. They should take the case seriously and ensure they attend all court meetings and hearings. All plans for treatment set by the court should be complied with and if there is any problem the treatment provider and social worker ought to be informed. The involved parties should always check the court proceedings and their appointments with the court.
As a court dependent, the minor is faced with a couple of options. They may have to live with another family or relatives under a foster care arrangement. Again, the parent may retain custody of the child but under court supervision. Later, if the parent can prove that they are able to take care of the child, the court can grant them permission to have their child back. This is referred to as 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, 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.
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 should be aware of their responsibilities since these will guide them. They should take the case seriously and ensure they attend all court meetings and hearings. All plans for treatment set by the court should be complied with and if there is any problem the treatment provider and social worker ought to be informed. The involved parties should always check the court proceedings and their appointments with the court.
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