Practice Area
Dependency Court FAQ
1) Why is the Department of Children and Family Services investigating me?
The process usually begins with someone reporting to authorities that a child may have been abused or neglected. These complaints could be made by telephone or by neighbors, friends, relatives, “mandated reporters”, and others.
2) Why was my child taken from me?
After being “tipped off,” the authorities decided that it was in the best interest of your child to be kept in temporary foster care. Generally this occurs because the authorities believed that your child wasn’t well taken care of.
3) Can I lose my child permanently?
If your child becomes a “dependent of the court” and following an investigation and a hearing the court decides it is in the best interest of the child, the court has the power to terminate your parental rights.
4) Will anyone else have a lawyer?
The county may have a lawyer speak on behalf of the social worker. Your child may also have a lawyer appointed to him/her.
5) If the court appoints a lawyer for my child(ren) will I have to pay the county for using that lawyer?
The answer is yes. You are legally responsible for the legal bills when a lawyer is appointed for your child. In addition if you are appointed a lawyer to assist you in the child dependency case you must repay the county for use of that lawyer as well.
6) Can my child live with a relative?
You must provide the social worker with the necessary information of the other relatives who can take care of your child. The social workers will contact them to see if it is in the best interest of the child to live with them.
