Juvenile Dependency Law in LA
Juvenile Dependency Law protects children from abuse and neglect. Because many reports of child abuse or neglect can be resolved without court intervention, it is wise to seek a juvenile dependency lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible to avoid complexity. When abuse and neglect present an impending danger to children, then the case is referred to the Juvenile Dependency Court.
Juvenile Dependency Court in Los Angeles
Juvenile dependency proceedings are initiated when the Department of Children and Family Services (or similar agency in your local area) files a petition with the Juvenile Dependency Court.
The juvenile dependency court addresses three major concerns:
- Where the child will live
- The validity of allegations
- Regaining child custody
Where the child will live
The court prefers to place a child with a parent or relative because this type of placement is usually better for the child. It also gives the parent more of a chance to regain future custody rights.
Determining validity of allegations
In many cases, allegations can be resolved through formal or informal negotiations. The case will end, and the child will be returned if allegations are found to be false, either through negotiations or trial. If negotiations are unsuccessful, or if a parent requests an immediate trial, then the case will go to trial. Trials are heard by a judge, not a jury, and the Department, as the petitioner, must prove that allegations are true by a preponderance of evidence. If some of the allegations or some aspect of the allegations are found to be true, the court will take jurisdiction of the child until it determines that the child is no longer in danger.
Regaining Child Custody
The Juvenile Dependency Court gives the parent the opportunity to reunify with the child during a six to eighteen months period. Each step of the proceedings allows the parent to request that the child be returned or placed with a relative. Usually the parent will have to successfully complete any programs that the court has required. The programs chosen by the court are designed to correct conduct that resulted in problems of abuse or neglect, for example, anger management classes, classes on parenting or substance abuse rehabilitation programs.
For more information related to juvenile dependency, see our sections on Rights of Parents, Rights of Foster Parents, and Permanency Planning Hearing. At the juvenile dependency and child custody law firm in LA, Paula S. Teske & Associates, we represent parents, guardians, foster parents and de facto parents in juvenile dependency cases.
If you have questions or concerns regarding juvenile dependency, please send an email or phone our office at 310-391-6800. We will be glad to discuss your concerns and put our years of experience to work to help you resolve your issues.
