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,…
And Another Thing…
While I don’t anticipate making this a series, additional ideas have surfaced in my sometimes-chaotic brain. While it’s true that some of these things may not be “possible” for very good (or more likely not very good) reasons, it is…
Do No Harm
Colin Witt is a juvenile court judge in Polk County. One of the things he reminds the “team” is that not only are we there to do good, we are also there to avoid harm. He doesn’t say this because…
Guidelines for Testifying in a Juvenile Court Proceeding
As I prepare for a permanency hearing, I thought it might be helpful to include a few of the guidelines I provide my clients. While there may be others (or some that are specific to your case), these are general…
Build Your Team
Yesterday was Thanksgiving in the U.S., and I saw a post by a dad I know who was grateful for his daughter; she gave him purpose and helped him through the bad times. This is a DHS/Court-involved family, where a…
What Should I Expect at Court?
Dear Parents in Juvenile CINA (Child in Need of Assistance) cases: Here are some things you might like to know before heading into court. Iowa practices a “one family, one judge” That means that barring any unforeseen circumstances, your hearings…