Category Archives: dependency
When Will a Court Choose a Relative over a Parent?
No parent wants to see their child taken away or find themselves otherwise blocked from seeing him/her. This separation is devastating, and if it becomes permanent will forever change the lives of both the parent and child. This possibility lies at the heart of dependency cases and is the primary reason parents facing this… Read More »
Proposed Bill Seeks To Clarify An Unmarried Father’s Rights In Dependency Proceedings
Dependency cases are supposed to help children living in dangerous situations leave that environment, and help parents fix existing problems so the child can return home. While the reality of the process may differ from the stated goal, the participation of both parents is important to achieving the desired end. However, unmarried men who… Read More »
Essential Information For Navigating A Dependency Case
Parents strive to protect and care for their children to the fullest extent possible, but this can be completely upset by the dynamics of a dependency case. Dependency cases are typically instigated by reports of suspected abuse, abandonment or neglect, and generally involve the state usurping a parent’s rights over the child’s physical care… Read More »
The Components of a Child Dependency Case
Facing the potential loss of a child to the state is a situation no parent wants to experience, but allegations of abuse, neglect and abandonment are made every day that completely upend the lives of the families involved. Anyone can call the Florida Abuse Hotline and make a report about past or imminent harm… Read More »
Things to Know about Drugs and Child Welfare Investigations
Hearing a knock at the door, followed by accusations of child abuse or endangerment by a state official, is easily a parent’s worst nightmare. Reports of child abuse and neglect are commonly left anonymously, and unfortunately, may represent attempts at retaliation or harassment. One type of accusation that is almost guaranteed to initiate an… Read More »
What Happens When Someone Reports Child Abuse?
Accusing a parent of abusing or neglecting his/her child is a serious claim that brings a number of significant consequences for both the child and the parent. Consequently, they should not be made lightly, or without direct knowledge that mistreatment is occurring. The legal process starts as soon as a child abuse report is… Read More »
The Role of Case Plans in Dependency Cases
Being forced to defend one’s parenting skills and ability to provide for a child is easily a parent’s worst nightmare. And, any parent involved in a dependency case knows firsthand how stressful and frustrating this situation is. Commonly, when the state is motivated to intervene over the care of a minor child, the child… Read More »
When Courts Terminate Parental Rights
Raising a child is one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences a person can have, which is accomplished through consistent and thorough contact with a child over a span of years. While daily interaction with a child is ideal, divorced parents who share custody still have ample opportunity to influence a child’s development… Read More »
What Happens When a Child Is Removed from the Home?
Having a child taken away by state authorities after receiving a report of abuse or neglect is one of the worst things that can happen to a parent. Having police knock on the door asking personal and accusatory questions is bound to upset and alarm any parent. While the child protective investigator is required… Read More »
