Through the juvenile dependency system, the government has broad powers to physically remove children from their parents when deemed necessary for the protection of the child. These actions occur after investigation by a local child protective services department, with the involvement of social workers, and are filed in special juvenile dependency courts. Understandably, these cases are stressful and traumatic for families involved. Only those attorneys experienced in the complex structure of the Welfare and Institutions Code should be consulted if your family is at risk of entering the juvenile dependency system.
Jill has over fifteen years of experience in representing children, parents, legal guardians, and de facto parents in juvenile dependency cases. She has worked closely with the court system and dependency counsel organizations to improve the quality of legal representation locally and statewide.
Parents should consult an attorney as soon as a child protection services investigation begins. Too often, parents wait until after the removal of a child to seek legal advice. If consulted early, safety plans and cooperative team meetings can be effective strategies to keep children in the home while allegations are investigated and, if necessary, supportive services are put in place.
Grandparent Rights: Grandparents often struggle to ensure the safety and protection of their grandchildren. Jill has assisted clients in juvenile dependency and probate guardianship contexts to support and protect their extended families.
Relative Placements: Some relatives seeking placement of family members enjoy a legal preference to have children placed in their care. These placements are often stalled by county-specific licensing protocols. If you are having trouble, please contact us for assistance.