Discover Legal Services for Juvenile Dependency in LA County
Juvenile dependency cases are serious. They can change your life and the life of the child you care for.
The Juvenile Dependency Court hears cases involving children who have been or are in immediate danger of abuse, neglect, injury or abandonment. When children enter the court system and are placed in foster care, it is critical that you understand the court process and your rights.
I have been an attorney for over ten years with the non-profit law firm Children’s Law Center of Los Angeles litigating cases on behalf of abused and neglected children. I am experienced in case management, oral advocacy, and courtroom representation for children and parents in juvenile dependency cases.
If the Department of Children and Family Services has contacted your family it is important to understand the legal process:
A case begins when someone reports that a child is neglected or abused.
A social worker will interview the child, and others to begin an investigation. After an investigation, a social worker makes a determination:
- That no further action is necessary if there is no evidence of abuse or neglect.
- To provide you with services that are free and assist you in providing a safe nurturing home for your child.
- To allow the child to remain in your care and file a petition with the court to open a case to protect your child.
- To remove your child from the home (emergency detention) and file a petition, to open a court case to protect your child.
If your child has been removed, the first hearing is called a detention.
After the first hearing, the case will progress to determine whether or not there is enough evidence for the court to preside over our case.
Without clear direction about how to navigate the process, the court can potentially terminate your parental rights and place your child for adoption or legal guardianship.
As your attorney, our relationship is special:
Our communications are confidential.
I will talk to you about the law and how it applies to the facts of your case.
I will be your voice in court and present your position to the judge.
We will come up with the best strategy to address your needs.
If you are facing any of these situations, contact me so we can work towards keeping your family whole.
Services
Representation
Kin-Ship Care
Resource Family Approval
Adoption
Defacto Parent
Court Filings
Limited-Scope Representation/Unbundled Services
