The child dependency process is incredibly complex. An experienced Wallin & Klarich child dependency attorney in San Bernardino can explain the process to you and help you through this difficult time. Cases that involve drug use by parents require the assistance of knowledgeable attorneys who know how to delicately handle the situation in front of the judge.
If you live in San Bernardino and your children were removed because of drug use, you need to call the experienced San Bernardino Wallin & Klarich attorneys to help you fight to get your children back.
Below is an explanation of the various hearings that are held for child dependency matters.
Initial Detention Hearing
After your children are removed from your home, the juvenile court will hold an initial court hearing on the matter. This hearing is called the “detention hearing.” At this time, the judge will go over the facts of your case and determine what is in the best interest of the children. The judge’s options include the following:
• Place the children in custody with relatives
• Place the children in temporary custody of the Department of Social Services; OR
• Return the children back home either with you or another guardian
After going over the facts of your case, your Wallin & Klarich attorney can form a strong argument about why it is in the best interest of your children to be returned back home to you.
Jurisdiction Hearing
At this hearing, the court will allow your attorney to defend you against the allegations brought against you. The judge will determine whether any or all of the allegations are true. If the judge finds that the allegations were not true, the case may be dismissed and your children will be returned home to you. Depending on the facts of your situation, your attorney can fight the allegations against you and may be able to get your case dismissed and your children returned to you.
Disposition Hearing
During a disposition hearing, the judge reviews a reunification plan that contains requirements for you to follow to attempt to resolve the issues that caused your children to be removed from your home. A plan can include requirements to remedy a situation involving your drug use.
During the disposition hearing, the court may take additional actions, including:
• Releasing your children back home to you with the supervision of a caseworker; and/or
• Ordering you to participate in counseling, parenting programs, or other similar programs
Six Month Review Hearing
After the disposition hearing, the court is required to review the case at least once every six months to review your progress according to the reunification plan. Depending on whether you complied with the reunification plan, the judge also has the ability to return your children to you at the review hearing.
Permanency Hearing
During this hearing, the court will have the authority to decide if the child should be returned to their parent(s) or permanently stay under the guardianship of a relative or in foster care.
San Bernardino Child Dependency Attorney
We understand that the child dependency system can be very complex and overwhelming for individuals not accustomed to it. If you or a loved one is involved in a child dependency matter in San Bernardino, it is imperative to hire an experienced and aggressive attorney to represent you. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years of experience helping clients return their children back to their homes in child dependency cases. We have offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, and Sherman Oaks. Call us today at 888-749-7428. We will be there for you when you call.
