Defending Families in Children and Youth Services Cases

Children and Youth Services investigates reports of abuse or neglect and can petition the court to open a dependency case when it believes a child is not receiving proper care. Parents and guardians have the right to an attorney in these proceedings, and the court will appoint one if you cannot afford your own. If a child is removed from the home, the law requires a shelter care hearing within three days, followed by a dependency hearing within ten to forty five days depending on the circumstances. The goal in most cases is to resolve the family's situation safely and work toward reunification. We stand with parents and guardians at every hearing to protect their rights and their relationship with their child.