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…
Transitioning out of DHS/Court Involvement
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…
Reasonable Efforts
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…
CINAs for Children with Significant Mental Health Issues
Lately I’ve been working on several cases where the kids involved have had significant mental health issues—issues severe enough that they can no longer remain in the home. The diagnoses are different, but I am seeing other patterns that are…
“Choosing” a Lawyer in Juvenile Child Welfare Court
Often, people hold the belief that a private pay attorney is better than a court-appointed one. Certainly this can be true, but in juvenile court it’s often not true. Here’s why. The overwhelming majority of parents in juvenile CINA (Child…
Best Practices
I’ve been in court a few times in the last couple of weeks, and wanted to share some more “best practices” for parents. When the Assistant County Attorney (“ACA”) is speaking, listen. Not talking while others are is, of course,…