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Juvenile

Reunification is the Goal

jeanmbaker October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 Juvenile

If you have been involved in juvenile court, you often hear that “reunification is the goal.” And that’s true. However, it may be misleading in the sense that even though it’s the goal, DHS may not believe that reunification is possible. But…

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The Importance of Non-Custodial Parents

jeanmbaker July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 Juvenile

In CINA cases, the goal is generally to return to the parent from whom the child was removed. That means that even if the children are removed from mom and placed with (noncustodial) dad, the goal is still to return…

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Concurrent Jurisdiction vs. a Bridge Order

jeanmbaker July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 Juvenile

Today I want to speak briefly about the difference between concurrent jurisdiction and a bridge order. Both involve work by the family law court, but they are different things, used in different situations.  CINA cases are in juvenile court. Dissolutions…

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To Appeal or Not To Appeal…

jeanmbaker March 8, 2019March 8, 2019 Juvenile

If you are a parent involved with DHS/Juvenile court, this may be a difficult post for you to read. It’s also probably worth repeating that blog posts generally, and this one specifically, are not legal advice, and that every case (including yours)…

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Don’t Hide

jeanmbaker January 31, 2019January 31, 2019 Juvenile

One of the things that I see often in the parents I work with is shame. They may or may not articulate it, but most are ashamed of the actions that caused them to lose temporary custody of their children.…

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Domestic Violence and Trauma Informed Care in the Polk County Justice Center

jeanmbaker January 29, 2019February 15, 2019 Juvenile

This month, I attended a Model Court Training Session regarding trauma-informed care and domestic violence. There are half-sheetsfor attorneys practicing in juvenile court that can be found in the resources section of this site, as well as in the courtrooms. But…

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Faith

jeanmbaker January 24, 2019February 15, 2019 Juvenile

Disclaimer: This post is about faith and the role it may or may not play in a family’s journey towards reunification. It does not espouse any particular faith, nor is there any intent to suggest that any expression of faith is…

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Jumping Through Hoops

jeanmbaker August 23, 2018February 15, 2019 Juvenile

A while back, I was at a family team meeting (“FTM”), and a mom had a meltdown because she thought she was going to be able to have overnights soon with her son. Keep in mind that DHS never gives…

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Transitioning out of DHS/Court Involvement

jeanmbaker August 15, 2018February 15, 2019 Juvenile

Oftentimes, parents can’t wait to have DHS (and everyone else associated with their DHS/Court Involvement) out of their life—and understandably so. It’s months, if not years, of having people scrutinizing your life, your choices, and your relationships. But sometimes, when all…

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Reasonable Efforts

jeanmbaker July 25, 2018February 15, 2019 Juvenile

If you are a parent who is DHS/Court involved, DHS is required to make reasonable efforts towards reunification. This typically involves offering an array of “services.” Some of these “offerings” are more like requirements: therapy, substance abuse treatments, etc. They…

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Recent Posts

  • Reunification is the Goal
  • The Importance of Non-Custodial Parents
  • Concurrent Jurisdiction vs. a Bridge Order
  • To Appeal or Not To Appeal…
  • Don’t Hide

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