Understanding Child Dependency

Child dependency is a process that ensures all children within the state are given the proper care and protection they need. At times, this may require a state agency to become involved in the life of a family to ensure that minor children are safe and being cared for properly. In some instances, the courts will intervene to oversee the dependent process and to determine who will care for a child. Below, our dependency lawyer explains in further detail.

When is a Child Placed Into Dependency Proceedings?

A child may be placed into the dependency system if they fit into at least one of ten categories. These are as follows:

• The child does not have appropriate parental care as required by law.
• The child had been illegally placed into adoption proceedings.
• Both parents have abandoned the child.
• The child does not have a parent or guardian.
• The child is absent from school habitually.
• The child has committed delinquent acts consistently.
• The child has committed a crime and is under the age of ten years old.
• The child is under court supervision after previously being found dependent.
• The child has committed delinquent acts consistently and has been referred to the court.
• The child was born to a parent who previously had their parental rights to a different child terminated.

If any of the above apply to a child, the court will determine if they need to intervene.

What Happens if a Child is Found Dependent?

After a court finds a child to be dependent, the court legally becomes the supervisor of the child. In some cases, the child may remain in the care of their parents at their home. However, a state agency and the court will supervise and monitor the happenings in the home and the well-being of the child. In other cases, particularly if a child’s well-being is at risk, the court will remove a child from the home and place them in a shelter care facility or in a foster home.

What Happens After a Child is Found Dependent?

The courts enter dependency proceedings with the intention of making the family unit whole again. Reviews are scheduled by the court and the frequency of them depends on the needs and the placement of the child. Every family must follow a plan created by the court so the court can give parents supervision once again. The plans created in dependency hearings may include therapy, classes, and evaluations.

If it is found that returning the child to their biological parents would cause them harm, or there are other reasons the family unit cannot be preserved, the court may initiate a proceeding to terminate parental rights, depending on the age of the child. The child may then be placed into adoption proceedings to be adopted by another family. Older children may be placed into placements that teach them about cooking, cleaning, paying bills, and other skills that will help them function in society once they turn 18 years old.

Our Dependency Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

At The Law Office of Kim M. Gillen, P.C., our  dependency lawyer knows how stressful it is when a court takes over supervision of a child. If you believe dependency hearings are going to be initiated, we can help you and your family. Call us now at 484-613-0011 to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

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