How Juvenile Dependency Process Works

By Ina Hunt


Children depend on adults until they themselves grow, so they need protection. Juvenile dependency is whereby children go to court when they have been hurt or not taken care of by their parents. If their guardians are not able to guarantee their safety, the court steps in. At this point, the minor becomes dependent to the court.

After becoming a dependent of the court, two options are made available to the child. Either they live with a relative or another family under an arrangement called foster care or they continue living with their parents at home but under supervision by the court. If, however, the parent can prove they are capable of sufficiently caring for the child, the court can have them retain complete and boundless custody of their child. 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 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.

The judge makes the last and final decision in the dependency case. They review the case and decide what will happen. Taking the safety of the child a top consideration, the judge makes his decision regarding the case.

In court, all parties need to be represented. Their representation is done by lawyers. Everyone involved in the case requires one so that they are sufficiently heard in court. Everyone taking part in the case has got the right to be represented by a lawyer in court.

A court appointed special advocated can also be assigned by the court. This is an individual who has volunteered to assist with the dependency case. Mainly, they speak to other individuals, mostly the children, then they retell the court what they have been told already. They spend time with the children, listening to them and trying to learn as much as they can. Aside from that, the advocates also make suggestions about what they think can be done to provide the minor with the best environment.

Children are also very important in the dependency case. Being the most important party, sometimes they can be called in as witnesses. As such, they will be required to answer questions from various quarters. This means that their comfort should be taken care of to ensure they give accurate information when they are called upon.

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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