Waive Reasonable Efforts In a CINA case, the goal always starts with reunification with the parent(s) from whom the child was removed. The Department of Human Services (“DHS”) is required to make “reasonable efforts” towards that reunification. Some of these…
Fact Witnesses, Expert Witnesses, and COVID-19
If you’ve ever been on a jury panel, you know that there are two types of witnesses: fact witnesses and expert witnesses. There are different requirements for each role, and they serve different purposes, though the ultimate purpose, of course,…
Reunification is the Goal
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…
The Importance of Non-Custodial Parents
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…
Concurrent Jurisdiction vs. a Bridge Order
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…
To Appeal or Not To Appeal…
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)…
Don’t Hide
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.…
Domestic Violence and Trauma Informed Care in the Polk County Justice Center
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…
Faith
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…
Jumping Through Hoops
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…