Foster Parents FAQ » Foster Child » Children and their attorneys

Children and their attorneys

Question:

The 26 (termination of parental rights) hearing is soon about to take place for our 2 1/2-yr-old foster-daughter’s parents.  Her attorney has never met her, nor my wife and I who are her prospective adoptive parents (she’s been with us 9 months already). Is this the norm for children to be represented by attorneys who have never met them and have no real personal experience of the case in question, if so I think it stinks. Regards, Ian p.s. This is in N. California. ———–== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==———- http://www.dejanews.com/       Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own    

Response:

Ian, Sadly yes, this is very normal.   I would contact his office immediately and schedule an appt. with him.   By rights his is your only voice in court for this child and it is important that he is on your side.      I would take him photos of your little one and a statement of how she is doing in your home.     Nothing emotional, and nothing whiny, just the facts.    It is very important the he understand that this child is a real live human being, not just a pile of papers on his desk! Good luck! Erin

Response:

I have done foster care for 10 years now and I can tell you it just depends on the lawyer. My first GAL came to meet our foster daughter eventhough she was only 3 months old at the time. She said she liked to at least know what her clients looked like.  The next 6 GALs I never heard from and I couldn’t have told you their names!! The last GAL was a VERY involved guy who met with the baby and me and bMom repeatedly.  I have to say I agree, it always seemed a little weird to me to have a lawyer who never bother to talk to anybody about the child. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -i…@primapub.com wrote in message <79fu63$mf…@nnrp1.dejanews.com>… >The 26 (termination of parental rights) hearing is soon about to take place >for our 2 1/2-yr-old foster-daughter’s parents.  Her attorney has never met >her, nor my wife and I who are her prospective adoptive parents (she’s been >with us 9 months already). >Is this the norm for children to be represented by attorneys who have never >met them and have no real personal experience of the case in question, if so >I think it stinks. >Regards, >Ian >p.s. This is in N. California. >———–== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==———- >http://www.dejanews.com/       Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own

Response:

I see frequent references to "GALs"…….I’m sure we have them here and just must call them by a different title, but what are they?? Thanks! Theresa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -margie r wood wrote: > I have done foster care for 10 years now and I can tell you it just depends > on the lawyer. My first GAL came to meet our foster daughter eventhough she > was only 3 months old at the time. She said she liked to at least know what > her clients looked like.  The next 6 GALs I never heard from and I couldn’t > have told you their names!! The last GAL was a VERY involved guy who met > with the baby and me and bMom repeatedly.  I have to say I agree, it always > seemed a little weird to me to have a lawyer who never bother to talk to > anybody about the child. > i…@primapub.com wrote in message <79fu63$mf…@nnrp1.dejanews.com>… > >The 26 (termination of parental rights) hearing is soon about to take place > >for our 2 1/2-yr-old foster-daughter’s parents.  Her attorney has never met > >her, nor my wife and I who are her prospective adoptive parents (she’s been > >with us 9 months already). > >Is this the norm for children to be represented by attorneys who have never > >met them and have no real personal experience of the case in question, if > so > >I think it stinks. > >Regards, > >Ian > >p.s. This is in N. California. > >———–== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==———- > >http://www.dejanews.com/       Search, Read, Discuss, or Start Your Own

Response:

Ian,

Response:

In most juvenile courts-minor’s attorneys are required to visit the children. As a private attorney in San Diego California I have practiced law in the Juvenile Court for more than 12 years. During that time I was appointed to represent a lot of minors who were in the court system. As a general rule I would see the minors at least once before a review hearing and keep in touch with the foster parents. I would suggest that you call the attorney and ask him to come visit your foster child at your home. Remember, attorney’s who represent minors do not represent your rights and interests in the child. You might wish to consult with and/or retain an attorney to represent your interest at any upcoming hearings. Remember that you have a right to be present and a make a statement to the court. Since you have had the child for nine months you might consider filing for de facto parent status. De facto standing would permit you to be represented by counsel, present evidence to the court and actually become a party!

Response:

Related Posts

Leave a Reply