Juvenile court matters have been confidential and no one other than the parties involved are allowed in the courtroom while court is in session. But recently Honorable Judge Michael Nash, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge opened juvenile court proceedings to the public. Opening juvenile proceedings has been a debate issue of late because in…
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How Does a Juvenile Court Dependency Process Work?
When a child is removed from his or her parent/legal guardian’s home and is declared a “dependent of the court,” the process is called juvenile dependency. Juvenile Dependency cases occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes there is alleged abuse or neglect on the part of the parent or caretaker and sometimes parents are not…
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Juvenile Court: Hearings
If your child goes to juvenile court in California, there are seven types of hearings he may have to go to. 1. Detention hearing. This is a hearing to determine whether your child can go home or must stay in jail until his/her next court hearing. This will take place within 3 court days (court…
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De Facto Parent in Orange County
A de facto parent is a person who is or has been taking care of a child who a judge has ordered a dependent of the juvenile court. You must be meeting his/her needs for such things as food, shelter, and clothing as well as affection and attention. You must be caring the the child…
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Abuse & Neglect: Information for Parents
Why was my child taken away? The police officer or social worker decided your child needed to be in temporary foster care to be safe. This can be because your child: -Wasn't well taken care of or watched over; -Was neglected, abused, or molested; or -Was left with someone who didn't take good care of…
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What is Juvenile Court?
Juvenile court is part of the superior court. It deals with 3 kinds of cases: Juvenile Delinquency: cases involving children that do things that would be crimes if they were done by adults. Juvenile Status Offenses: cases involving children that do things that are only against the law because they are done by children. For…
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Child Abuse & Neglect in Orange County, California
When someone makes a report about the safety of your child, the police or a social worker must investigate. They have to decide if the court should get involved so your child will be safe and protected. If the police or social worker decides your child needs to be in temporary foster care to be…
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