9781932779141

About the Editors

iii

Contributing Authors

Foreword

xxix

Introduction

xxxiii

I. THE CONTEXT OF CHILD WELFARE LAW

America's Children

(14)

Who Are America's Children and How Are They Doing?

(3)

Indicators of Well-Being

(1)

Living Arrangements

(1)

Educational Attainment of Parents

(1)

Poverty

(1)

Health Insurance

(1)

Child Maltreatment

(11)

Poverty, Race, and Child Maltreatment

(1)

America's Children in Foster Care

(1)

The Current System

(1)

Challenges Faced by Foster Children

(2)

Improving the System

(1)

The Impact of Child Maltreatment on America

(1)

Crime

(1)

Economic Impact

(1)

The Advocate's Role in Promoting Systemic Improvement

(2)

Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Child Abuse and Neglect

(20)

Physical Abuse

(9)

Fractures

(1)

Bruises

(2)

Lacerations

(1)

Burns

(2)

Internal (Abdominal and Thoracic) Injuries

(1)

Abusive Head Trauma

(1)

Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome

(1)

Medical Ramifications

(1)

Sexual Abuse

(4)

Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse

(1)

Pedophilia

(2)

Diagnosing Sexual Abuse

(1)

Emotional Abuse

(2)

Neglect

(5)

Emotional Neglect

(1)

Physical Neglect

(1)

Medical Neglect

(1)

Failure to Thrive

(1)

Educational Neglect

(2)

Mental Health and Related Professional Evaluations in Child Welfare Proceedings

(18)

Introduction

(1)

Mental Health Professionals

(2)

Psychiatrists

(1)

Psychologists

(1)

Social Workers

(1)

Evidentiary Privilege and Confidentiality

(1)

Evaluations

(5)

Evaluating the Evaluation

(1)

Mental Health Evaluations

(1)

Parent-Child Relationship Evaluations

(2)

Psychological Tests

(6)

Psychometric Tests

(1)

Personality Tests

(1)

Projective Tests

(1)

Developmental and Intelligence Tests

(1)

Neuropsychological Tests

(1)

Achievement Tests

(1)

Checklists and Inventories

(1)

Scoring and Interpreting Test Results

(1)

Child Sexual Abuse Evaluations

(2)

Conclusion

(2)

The Impact of Maltreatment on Child Development

(26)

Child Development

(20)

Physical Development

(1)

Cognitive Development

(3)

Language Development

(1)

Social and Emotional Child Development

(1)

Stage 1 -- Basic Trust vs. Mistrust

(1)

Stage 2 -- Autonomy vs. Shame and Guilt

(2)

Stage 3 -- Initiative vs. Self-Doubt

(2)

Stage 4 -- Industry vs. Inferiority

(1)

Stage 5 -- Identity vs. Role Confusion

(2)

Attachment, Separation, and Loss

(3)

Long-term Effects of Maltreatment

(1)

Importance of Developmental Level for Child Abuse/Neglect Issues

(2)

Communicating with the Child

(1)

Conclusion

(3)

Family Dynamics in Child Maltreatment

(16)

Introduction

(1)

Circumstances in Which Child Maltreatment Occurs

(4)

Lack of Empathy

(1)

``Trigger'' Behaviors

(1)

Domestic Violence

(1)

Substance Abuse

(1)

Mental Conditions; Postnatal Depression

(1)

Isolation

(1)

Perspectives for Understanding Abusive or Neglectful Parenting

(2)

Psychodynamic Theory and Practice

(1)

Social and Economic Ecology

(1)

Biology

(1)

Developmental Psychopathology

(1)

Conclusions

(1)

Consequences of Maltreatment

(1)

Treatment for Abused and Neglected Children

(2)

Treatment for Parents

(5)

Treatment Goals

(1)

Effectiveness of Voluntary and Court-Ordered Treatment

(2)

Measuring Change in Parenting Capacity

(1)

Parents Who Are the Most Difficult to Treat

(2)

Decisions Regarding Placement, Reunification, and Termination

(1)

Summary

(2)

Cultural Context in Abuse and Neglect Practice: Tips for Attorneys

(18)

Introduction

(1)

Defining Cultural and Subcultural Context

(2)

The Players

(1)

Parents' Attorney

(1)

Guardians Ad Litem

(1)

Beginning the Process

(2)

Begin at the Commencement of the Case

(1)

Beginning the Questioning Process

(1)

At the Initial Hearing

100

(2)

Between Disposition and the First Permanency Hearing

102

(2)

From the First Permanency Hearing through Case Resolution

104

(4)

APPLA is the Final Option

108

(2)

Conclusion

110

(3)

II. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF CHILD WELFARE LAW

The History of Child Welfare Law

113

(30)

Introduction

113

(1)

Dependency Court Jurisdiction

113

(2)

Origins of Child Maltreatment and Protection

115

(17)

Maltreatment

115

(1)

Child Protection

116

(1)

Sixteenth- and Seventeenth-Century England: Creation of a System of Family Law

117

(1)

Family Law for the Wealthy

118

(1)

Family Law for the Poor

118

(2)

Colonial America: Transplanting and Developing the English System

120

(3)

Nineteenth-Century America: The Rise of the Parens Patriae System

123

(1)

The House of Refuge Movement

124

(2)

Ex parte Crouse and Parens Patriae

126

(2)

Special Cases of Child Abuse

128

(4)

A Scientific Development

132

(1)

The Juvenile Court: Institutionalizing and Developing the Parens Patriae System

132

(10)

Founding and Dependency Philosophy

132

(3)

Gault and the Transformation of Delinquency out from Parens Patriae

135

(1)

``The Battered Child,'' CAPTA, and the Evolution of Dependency Within Parens Patriae

135

(4)

The Dependency Court at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century

139

(3)

Conclusion

142

(1)

Federal Child Welfare Law and Policy: Understanding the Federal Law and Funding Process

143

(42)

Introduction to Federal Child Welfare Funding Legislation

143

(2)

Timeline of Major Federal Child Welfare Legislation

145

(1)

Summary of Federal Funding Sources for Child Abuse and Neglect

146

(3)

Foster Care Reimbursements to States

146

(1)

Adoption Assistance Reimbursements to States

147

(1)

Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program (PSSF)

147

(1)

Child Welfare Services Program

147

(1)

Chafee Foster Care Independence Program

147

(1)

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Programs (CAPTA)

148

(1)

Other Smaller Federal Funding Sources

148

(1)

Key Federal Statutory Requirements

149

(17)

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

149

(2)

Titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act

151

(1)

Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980

152

(5)

The Indian Child Welfare Act

157

(1)

Jurisdiction and Standing

157

(1)

Application

158

(1)

Notice

158

(1)

Higher Standards of Evidence

159

(1)

Placement

160

(1)

Failure to Comply

160

(1)

Inapplicable to Some Native American Children

160

(1)

The Multi-Ethnic Placement Act

161

(1)

Application

161

(1)

Enforcement

162

(1)

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

163

(1)

The Foster Care Independence Act (Chafee)

164

(2)

Other Relevant Federal and Uniform Statutes

166

(8)

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act

166

(1)

The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act

167

(1)

Accessing Substance Abuse Treatment Records

168

(1)

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

169

(1)

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)

170

(1)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

171

(1)

Education for Homeless Children and Youths Act

172

(1)

Children's Health Act of 2000

173

(1)

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

173

(1)

Current Federal Funding for Other Supports for Children and Families

174

(7)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

175

(1)

Medicaid

175

(1)

Eligibility

176

(1)

Benefits

176

(1)

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

176

(1)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

177

(1)

Eligibility

177

(1)

Other Federally Sponsored Assistance

177

(1)

Nutrition Assistance Programs

178

(1)

Section 8 Housing Assistance

178

(1)

Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

178

(1)

Head Start

178

(1)

Post-Secondary Education Loans, Grants, and Work-Study

179

(1)

Block Grants to States and Localities

179

(1)

Other Federal Laws

180

(1)

Sally's Case: Applying Selected Federal Funding Streams and Statutory Requirements

181

(4)

Child Welfare Constitutional Case Law

185

(28)

Parent's Rights

185

(3)

Meyer v. Nebraska

185

(1)

Pierce v. Society of Sisters

186

(1)

Prince v. Massachusetts

186

(1)

Troxel v. Granville

187

(1)

Constitutional Rights of Children and Youth

188

(4)

In re Gault

188

(2)

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School Dist

190

(1)

Bellotti v. Baird

190

(1)

Wisconsin v. Yoder

191

(1)

Parham v. J.R.

192

(1)

Children Born out of Wedlock / Right of Putative Fathers

192

(5)

Stanley v. Illinois

192

(1)

Quilloin v. Walcott

193

(1)

Caban v. Mohammed

194

(1)

Lehr v. Robertson

195

(1)

Michael H. v. Gerald D

196

(1)

Termination of Parental Rights

197

(2)

Lassiter v. Dept. of Social Services

197

(1)

Santosky v. Kramer

198

(1)

M.L.B. v. S.L.J.

198

(1)

Foster Parent Relationships

199

(2)

Smith v. Org. of Foster Families for Equality & Reform

199

(2)

State Agency Duties

201

(3)

DeShaney v. Winnebago County Dept. of Social Services

201

(1)

Youngberg v. Romeo

202

(1)

Suter v. Artist M

203

(1)

Access to Child Protective Service's Records

204

(1)

Pennsylvania v. Ritchie

204

(1)

Social Security Benefits for Children in Foster Care

205

(1)

Washington State Dept. of Social and Health Services v. Guardianship Estate of Keffeler

205

(1)

Indian Child Welfare Act

205

(1)

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians v. Holyfield

205

(1)

Children's Statements and Testimony

206

(4)

Crawford v. Washington

207

(1)

Coy v. Iowa

207

(1)

White v. Illinois

208

(1)

Maryland v. Craig

208

(1)

Idaho v. Wright

209

(1)

Parent's Right against Self-incrimination in Child Protection Cases

210

(3)

Baltimore City Dept. of Social Services v. Bouknight

210

(3)

III. THE CHILD WELFARE LEGAL PROCESS

A Child's Journey Through the Child Welfare System

213

(22)

Introduction

213

(3)

Reporting Child Maltreatment

216

(1)

Reporting by Professionals

217

(1)

Reporting by Nonprofessionals

218

(1)

Good Faith: Immunity from Civil Liability

218

(1)

Liability for Making False or Malicious Report

219

(1)

Investigating Child Maltreatment

219

(4)

Time Frame

219

(1)

Risk Assessment

220

(1)

Safety Assessment

221

(1)

Investigating Evidence of Child Maltreatment

221

(1)

Interpreting Labels of ``Founded'' or ``Unfounded'' on Agency Reports

222

(1)

Emergency Protective Custody

222

(1)

Initiating Court Action

223

(1)

Emergency Removal/Detention

224

(1)

Pretrial Discovery and Motion Practice

225

(1)

Adjudication

225

(1)

Disposition

226

(2)

Case Plans

228

(1)

Review Hearings

229

(1)

Permanency Hearings

230

(2)

Termination of Parental Rights

232

(1)

Post-Termination Review Hearings

233

(1)

Achieving Permanence for the Child

233

(2)

Dependency Court Jurisdiction and Interstate and International Proceedings

235

(12)

Jurisdiction of the Dependency Court and Collateral Courts

235

(1)

Causes of Action

235

(1)

Party Status and Standing

236

(1)

Interstate Proceedings

237

(5)

Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)

237

(1)

Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA)

237

(1)

Interstate Compact on Mental Health (ICMH)

237

(1)

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA)

238

(1)

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)

238

(2)

Uniform Child Witness Testimony by Alternative Methods Act (UCWTAMA)

240

(2)

International Proceedings

242

(5)

Hague Convention on the International Aspects of Civil Child Abduction (Hague Convention on Child Abduction)

242

(2)

Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption)

244

(1)

United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

245

(2)

Collateral Proceedings

247

(52)

Delinquency

247

(1)

Delinquency and Status Offenses

247

(1)

Criminal Proceedings

248

(1)

Interface Between Civil Child Protection and Criminal Prosecution

248

(3)

The Child's Attorney or Guardian Ad Litem in the Criminal Case

251

(1)

Protective Orders

252

(1)

Divorce, Child Custody, and Visitation Proceedings

252

(1)

Staying Together or Divorcing

252

(3)

Child Welfare and Family Court Interaction

255

(1)

Coordinating Legal Proceedings

256

(1)

Domestic Violence

257

(1)

Domestic Violence

257

(2)

Guardianships

259

(1)

Guardianships

259

(1)

Immigration---Representing Children Who Are Not United States Citizens

260

(1)

Introduction

260

(1)

What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?

261

(1)

What are the Benefits and Risks of Applying?

261

(1)

What are the Requirements for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?

261

(1)

What is the Procedure for Applying?

261

(1)

When Must the Child Apply and How Long Does the Process Take?

262

(1)

What Cases Carry a Risk of Being Denied?

262

(1)

Technical Assistance for SIJS

262

(1)

Advocacy for Foster Youth in Mental Health Commitment Proceedings

263

(1)

Introduction

263

(1)

Background

264

(1)

The Legal Framework

265

(6)

Parham v. J.R.

265

(4)

State Laws

269

(1)

Provisions Governing Psychiatric Commitment of Foster Children

270

(1)

Therapeutic Jurisprudence Considerations

271

(3)

Ethical Role and Responsibilities of the Child's Attorney

274

(4)

Lawyer as Counselor

275

(1)

Lawyer as Negotiator and Mediator

276

(1)

Lawyer as Zealous Advocate

277

(1)

Protection of Children's Rights Within Residential Treatment Centers and Hospitals

278

(2)

Advocacy for Other Legal Entitlements and Services for the Child

280

(2)

Conclusion

282

(1)

Educational Advocacy

283

(1)

Introduction

283

(1)

Preliminary Steps

284

(2)

What Signs Should I Look for That a Child Needs Special Education Services?

284

(1)

What Do I Do if I Suspect a Child Needs Special Education Services, But is Not Yet Identified?

284

(2)

Education Decision Makers

286

(3)

How Do I Determine Who Can Act as the Parent or if a Surrogate Parent is Needed?

286

(1)

Who Can Be Appointed as a Surrogate for a Child in Foster Care?

287

(1)

How Can a Foster Parent Be the Education Decision Maker?

288

(1)

Special Education Process

289

(6)

When Should an Eligibility Meeting Occur and What Should Happen at the Meeting to Determine Eligibility for Special Education Services?

289

(2)

Who is Part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team?

291

(1)

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and How Should it Be Developed?

292

(2)

How Should I Prepare for an IEP Meeting?

294

(1)

Before the Meeting

294

(1)

At the Meeting

294

(1)

Monitoring and Implementation

295

(2)

What Do I Do if I Suspect a Child is Identified with the Wrong Disability?

295

(1)

How Should I Monitor the Student's Progress and the Implementation of the IEP?

296

(1)

What If I Do Not Agree with the Decision Reached by the IEP Team?

296

(1)

Conclusion

297

(2)

Confidentiality of Juvenile Court Proceedings and Records

299

(6)

Introduction

299

(1)

Historical Background

299

(1)

Benefits of Open Court Proceedings

300

(2)

Arguments Against Open Court Proceedings

302

(1)

The NACC's Position

303

(2)

Special Evidentiary Issues

305

(18)

Selected Evidence Issues

305

(1)

Expert Testimony

305

(2)

Qualifications to Testify as Expert Witness

305

(1)

Bases for Expert Opinion

306

(1)

Syndrome Evidence

307

(13)

Battered Child Syndrome

309

(2)

Battering Parent Syndrome

311

(1)

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

311

(2)

Shaken Baby Syndrome

313

(1)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

314

(1)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Litigation

315

(2)

Acute Distress Disorder

317

(1)

Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome

318

(1)

Parental Alienation Syndrome

318

(2)

Evidentiary Privileges and Confidentiality

320

(3)

Children in Court

323

(26)

Introduction

323

(1)

Suggestibility

323

(6)

Age and Suggestibility

323

(2)

Questioning by Authority Figures; The Social Demands of Interviews

325

(1)

Central Details vs. Peripheral Details

325

(1)

Ambiguous Body Touch

326

(1)

Participant vs. Bystander

326

(1)

Negative Stereotypes and Accusatory Atmosphere

326

(2)

Lowering Suggestibility

328

(1)

Testimonial Competence

329

(4)

Capacity to Observe

330

(1)

Memory

330

(1)

Capacity to Communicate

330

(1)

Intelligence

330

(1)

Understanding the Difference Between Truth and Falsehood

330

(1)

Duty to Testify Truthfully

331

(1)

Burden of Proof Regarding Testimonial Competence

332

(1)

Oath or Affirmation

332

(1)

The Effects of Testifying on Children: Psychological Research

333

(1)

While Children are on the Witness Stand

333

(2)

Emotional Support

334

(1)

Preparing Children to Testify

334

(1)

Scheduling a Young Child's Testimony

334

(1)

Leading on Direct

334

(1)

Testimonial Aids

335

(1)

Allowing a Child Witness a Comfort Item

335

(1)

Recesses During Child's Testimony

335

(1)

Hearsay

335

(10)

Hearsay Defined

336

(1)

Exceptions to the Hearsay Rule

336

(1)

Prior Inconsistent Statements

337

(1)

Prior Consistent Statements

337

(1)

Charge of Fabrication

338

(1)

Impeachment by Contradiction

338

(1)

Impeachment by Evidence of Untruthful Character

338

(1)

Impeachment with Prior Inconsistent Statements

339

(1)

Impeachment Charging Lapse of Memory

339

(1)

Present Sense Impressions

339

(1)

Excited Utterances

340

(1)

Fresh Complaint of Rape or Sexual Abuse

341

(1)

Diagnosis or Treatment Exception

342

(1)

Residual and Child Hearsay Exceptions

342

(2)

Hearsay and the Confrontation Clause

344

(1)

Should Children Attend Court Hearings?

345

(4)

Children's Presence in their Court Proceedings: NACC Policy

346

(3)

Non-Adversarial Case Resolution

349

(14)

Introduction

349

(1)

Mediation

350

(4)

Definition

350

(1)

Philosophy and Principles

351

(1)

The Mediation Process

352

(1)

Opening Statement

352

(1)

Uninterrupted Time

352

(1)

The Exchange

353

(1)

Separate Meetings

353

(1)

Setting the Agenda

353

(1)

Building the Agreement

353

(1)

Writing the Agreement and Closing

353

(1)

Family Group Conferencing

354

(1)

Philosophy and Principles

354

(1)

Structure of Family Group Conferencing

354

(1)

Voluntary Relinquishment Counseling

355

(1)

Uses of NACR in Child Welfare Cases

356

(3)

Effectiveness of NACR

359

(2)

Compromising Child Safety or Well-Being

361

(1)

Conclusion

362

(1)

Establishing Legal Permanence for the Child

363

(18)

Introduction

363

(1)

Principles for Permanency Options

364

(1)

Adoption

365

(6)

Adoption Subsidies

365

(2)

Post-Adoption Contact

367

(1)

State Laws

367

(1)

Benefits and Pitfalls

368

(1)

Elements of a Successful Post-Adoption Contact Agreement

369

(1)

Determining Whether Post-Adoption Contact is Appropriate

369

(1)

Enforcing the Agreement

370

(1)

Permanent Guardianship

371

(4)

Standby Guardianship

375

(1)

Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement

376

(2)

Re-establishing Parental Rights After Termination

378

(3)

Child Welfare Appellate Law and Practice

381

(22)

Introduction

381

(1)

Initial Considerations

382

(7)

Is the Order Appealable?

382

(1)

The Final Judgment Rule

382

(1)

Collateral Final Orders

382

(1)

Interlocutory Orders Appealable by Statute

382

(1)

Interlocutory Orders Reviewable as a Matter of Discretion

383

(1)

What are the Time Limits?

384

(1)

Time Limit for Filing Notice of Appeal

384

(1)

Notice of Appeal Vests Jurisdiction in Appellate Court

384

(1)

Does Your Client Have Standing?

384

(1)

Was the Error Preserved?

385

(1)

What is the Standard of Review?

386

(1)

Findings of Fact

386

(1)

Discretionary Decisions

387

(1)

Issues of Law

387

(1)

Mixed Questions of Law and Fact

388

(1)

Was the Error Prejudicial?

388

(1)

The Test of Prejudice

388

(1)

Federal Constitutional Errors

388

(1)

Errors that are Reversible Per Se

388

(1)

Factors in Evaluating Prejudice

389

(1)

Stay Requests

389

(2)

Effect of Filing an Appeal---Execution of the Judgment Not Always Stayed

389

(1)

Making the Request for a Stay

390

(1)

Factors Considered in Ruling on a Stay Request

390

(1)

Procedural Sequence on Appeal

391

(3)

In General

391

(1)

Appeals of Right

391

(1)

Notice of Appeal

391

(1)

The Appellate Record

391

(1)

Appellant's Opening Brief

392

(1)

Appellee's Brief

393

(1)

Appellant's Reply

393

(1)

Oral Argument

393

(1)

Discretionary Appeals

394

(1)

The Problem of Post-Judgment Events

394

(3)

Judicial Notice

395

(1)

Request that Additional Evidence Be Taken

396

(1)

Extraordinary Writs

397

(5)

Appellate vs. Original Jurisdiction

397

(1)

How Writs are Different from Appeals

397

(1)

Extraordinary Nature of Writ Relief

397

(1)

Writ Review May Supplement, But Not Substitute for, an Appeal

398

(1)

Parties in a Writ Proceeding

398

(1)

Types of Traditional Writs

399

(1)

Writs Abolished in Some States

400

(1)

Statutory Writs Distinguished from Traditional Writs

400

(1)

Procedure in Traditional Writ Proceeding

401

(1)

The Petition

401

(1)

The Reviewing Court's Alternatives

401

(1)

Conclusion

402

(1)

IV. THE ROLE AND DUTIES OF LEGAL COUNSEL IN CHILD WELFARE PROCEEDINGS

Representing the State or Welfare Agency: The Role and Duties of Agency Counsel

403

(40)

ABA Agency Attorney Standards

403

(1)

Introduction

403

(1)

Definitions

404

(1)

Role

405

(3)

Fulfillment of Obligations

408

(11)

Ethical and Practice Considerations

419

(2)

Administrative Responsibilities

421

(10)

Agency Attorneys and Caseworkers: Working Well Together

431

(1)

Introduction

431

(1)

Roles of Attorneys and Social Workers

432

(2)

Defining the Client

432

(1)

Remember Your Obligations

433

(1)

Define Responsibilities

433

(1)

Decide Who Calls the Shots

434

(1)

Need for Collaboration

434

(2)

Communication

435

(1)

Mutual Respect

435

(1)

Trust

435

(1)

Teamwork

436

(1)

Strengthening the Relationship

436

(3)

Informal Sessions

436

(1)

Find Shared Beliefs

436

(1)

Facilitate in Comfort

437

(1)

Be Concrete

437

(1)

Understand Each Others' Languages

437

(1)

Share Basic Information

438

(1)

Reach Outcomes

438

(1)

Interdisciplinary Training

438

(1)

Multidisciplinary Teams

439

(1)

Conclusion

439

(1)

Sample Protocol for Termination Petitions

440

(1)

Sample Protocol for Dispute Resolution Between Agency Attorney and Caseworker

441

(1)

Attorney -- Social Worker Responsibilities

442

(1)

Representing Parents: The Role and Duties of Respondents' Counsel

443

(50)

Representing Parents in Child Welfare Cases: A Basic Introduction for Attorneys

443

(1)

Introduction

443

(1)

The Role of Parents' Counsel in Child Protection Proceedings

444

(23)

General Responsibilities of Parents' Attorneys

444

(2)

The Effect of the Adoption and Safe Families Act

446

(5)

Pre-Trial Independent Investigation

451

(1)

Emergency Removal Hearing

452

(2)

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

454

(2)

Adjudication

456

(1)

Disposition

457

(3)

Review Hearings

460

(2)

Permanency Hearings

462

(1)

Termination of Parental Rights

463

(3)

Appeal

466

(1)

Incarcerated Parents

467

(1)

Right to Participate

467

(4)

Practice Tips

469

(1)

Judges

469

(1)

Parents' Attorneys:

470

(1)

Agency Attorneys:

470

(1)

Children's Representatives:

470

(1)

Reasonable Efforts

471

(2)

Practice Tips

472

(1)

Judges:

472

(1)

Parents' Attorneys:

472

(1)

Agency Attorneys:

472

(1)

Children's Representatives:

473

(1)

Reasonable Efforts Not Required

473

(2)

Practice Tips

474

(1)

Judges:

474

(1)

Parents' Attorneys:

474

(1)

Agency Attorneys:

475

(1)

Children's Representatives:

475

(1)

Termination of Parental Rights

475

(4)

Incarceration as a Ground or Factor in TPR

475

(1)

Length of Incarceration

476

(1)

Nature of Crime

477

(1)

Practice Tips

478

(1)

Judges:

478

(1)

Parent's Attorneys:

478

(1)

Agency Attorneys:

478

(1)

Children's Representatives:

478

(1)

Conclusion

479

(1)

Programs

479

(1)

Literature

480

(1)

Representing a Parent with Diminished Capacity

481

(1)

Introduction

481

(1)

The Mason Case

481

(2)

Model Rule 1.14: Representing a Client with Diminished Capacity

483

(8)

Maintaining a Normal Client-Lawyer Relationship

483

(1)

Assessing Client Capacity

484

(2)

Viewing Capacity as a Continuum

486

(1)

Taking Protective Action

487

(1)

Appointing a Guardian

488

(1)

Maintaining Client Confidentiality

489

(1)

Eliciting the Client's Position

489

(1)

Advocating in and out of Court

490

(1)

Conclusion

491

(2)

Representing Children and Youth

493

(28)

The Role and Duties of the Child's Lawyer

493

(1)

Introduction to the Representation of Children

493

(3)

Basic Lawyer Ethics: The Model Code and Model Rules

496

(2)

The Best Interests vs. Expressed Wishes Conundrum

498

(2)

The ``Child's Attorney'' Response

500

(2)

The ABA Standards of Practice for Lawyers Who Represent Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases

501

(1)

The ABA (NACC Revised) Standards of Practice

501

(1)

The ``Two Distinct Roles'' Response

502

(1)

The ``Duties'' Response

502

(9)

NACC Recommendation for Representation of Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases

502

(3)

The ABA Standards and NACC Revised ABA Standards Focus on Duties

505

(6)

The Child's Wishes Are Always Relevant

511

(2)

Conclusion

513

(1)

Developmentally Appropriate Lawyering

514

(4)

Introduction

514

(1)

Meeting With Your Child Client

514

(1)

Choosing a Location

515

(1)

Communicating at the Child's Level

515

(2)

Establishing Rapport and Asking Questions

517

(1)

Helping the Child Feel Comfortable

517

(1)

Being Aware of Your Own Responses

517

(1)

Explaining Your Role as Attorney

518

(1)

Keeping Your Client Informed About the Case

518

(1)

Determining the Child's Capacity

518

(1)

The Lawyer's Duties

519

(2)

Identifying Permanency Needs and Protecting Important Affiliations

519

(1)

Maintaining the Child's, Property, Records, and Social History

520

(1)

Advocating for Appropriate Closure After Termination

521

(1)

Special Challenges for the Child's Lawyer: Conflict of Interest, Attorney-Client Privilege, Waiver of Rights, and Sibling Association

521

(24)

Conflict of Interest

521

(5)

Representation of Siblings

521

(2)

Confidentiality

523

(1)

Waiver

524

(1)

Payment of Attorney Fees by a Third Party

524

(2)

Attorney-Client Privilege

526

(1)

Waiver of Rights

527

(2)

Sibling Association

529

(1)

Case Assessment and Planning

530

(1)

Introduction

530

(1)

Investigate the Facts

531

(1)

Develop a Theory of the Case

531

(6)

Preliminary Facts---A Sample Case

532

(1)

Focus Questions

532

(1)

The Role of the Child's Advocate

532

(1)

Determining the Child's Position

533

(1)

Permanency Goal

534

(1)

Stage of the Litigation

534

(1)

Cause of Action

535

(1)

The Characteristics of the Individual Child

535

(1)

The Child's Safety and Well-being

535

(1)

Fact Analysis

535

(1)

Subjective Bias

536

(1)

Litigation Strategy

537

(1)

Conclusion

537

(1)

Child Welfare Case Checklist

538

(7)

Trial Advocacy

545

(172)

Case Analysis

545

(1)

The Idea of a Persuasive Story

545

(3)

Trials as Stories

545

(1)

Planning a Sample Story

546

(2)

The Ethics of Persuasive Storytelling

548

(2)

Assuming That You ``Know'' the Truth

548

(1)

Assuming That You Do Not Know the Truth

548

(2)

The Special Case of the Criminal Law

550

(1)

Preparing a Persuasive Trial Story

550

(5)

Developing Your Theory and Your Theme

551

(1)

Theory

551

(1)

Theme

551

(1)

Planning Your Final Argument

552

(1)

Planning Your Case in Chief

552

(1)

Consider Your Potential Witnesses and Exhibits

552

(1)

Evaluate Each Witness Individually

553

(1)

Decide Which Witness to Call

553

(1)

Planning Your Cross Examinations

554

(1)

Reevaluating Everything That You Have Done

555

(1)

Conclusion

555

(1)

Evidentiary Foundations

556

(1)

The Requirement of Foundation

556

(1)

Components of Foundation

557

(2)

Relevance

557

(1)

Authenticity

558

(1)

Specific Admissibility

558

(1)

Establishing Foundations

559

(4)

Using a Single Witness

559

(1)

Using Multiple Witnesses

559

(1)

Conditional Admissibility

560

(1)

Using Adverse Witnesses

561

(1)

Cross Examination

562

(1)

Direct Examination

563

(1)

The Role of Direct Examination

563

(2)

Introduce Undisputed Facts

563

(1)

Enhance the Likelihood of Disputed Facts

564

(1)

Lay Foundations for the Introduction of Exhibits

564

(1)

Reflect Upon the Credibility of Witnesses

564

(1)

Hold the Attention of the Trier of Fact

565

(1)

The Law of Direct Examination

565

(2)

Competence of Witnesses

565

(1)

Non-leading Questions

565

(1)

Narratives

566

(1)

The Non-opinion Rule

567

(1)

Refreshing Recollection

567

(1)

Planning Direct Examinations

567

(14)

Content

568

(1)

What to Include

568

(2)

What to Exclude

570

(2)

Organization and Structure

572

(2)

Start Strong and End Strong: The Overall Examination

574

(1)

Start Strong and End Strong: The Sub-examinations

574

(1)

Use Topical Organization

575

(1)

Do Not Interrupt the Action

576

(1)

Give Separate Attention to the Details

577

(1)

Try Not to Scatter Circumstantial Evidence

578

(1)

Defensive Direct Examination

579

(1)

Affirmation Before Refutation

579

(1)

Get to the Point

580

(1)

End with a Clincher

580

(1)

Ignore Any Rule When Necessary

580

(1)

Questioning Technique

581

(12)

Use Short, Open Questions

581

(1)

Use Directive and Transitional Questions

581

(2)

Reinitiate Primacy

583

(1)

Use General Headline Questions

583

(1)

Explain Where You Are Going

584

(1)

Use Body Movement

584

(1)

Use Incremental Questions

584

(3)

Reflect Time, Distance, Intensity

587

(3)

Repeat Important Points

590

(1)

Use Visual Aids

591

(1)

Avoid Negative, Lawyerly, and Complex Questions

591

(2)

Cross Examination

593

(1)

The Role of Cross Examination

593

(1)

The Law of Cross Examination

594

(2)

Leading Questions Permitted

594

(1)

Limitations on Scope

594

(1)

Other Restrictions

595

(1)

Argumentative Questions

595

(1)

Intimidating Behavior

595

(1)

Unfair Characterizations

595

(1)

Assuming Facts

596

(1)

Compound and Other Defective Questions

596

(1)

The Content of Cross Examination

596

(5)

Consider the Purposes of Cross Examination

597

(1)

Arrive at the ``Usable Universe'' of Cross Examination

598

(1)

The Entire Universe

598

(1)

The Usable Universe

598

(1)

Risk Averse Preparation

599

(2)

The Organization of Cross Examination

601

(8)

Organizing Principles

601

(2)

Guidelines for Organization

603

(1)

Do Not Worry About Starting Strong

604

(1)

Use Topical Organization

604

(1)

Give the Details First

605

(1)

Scatter the Circumstantial Evidence

606

(1)

Save a Zinger for the End

606

(2)

A Classic Format for Cross Examination

608

(1)

Friendly Information

608

(1)

Affirmative Information

608

(1)

Uncontrovertible Information

609

(1)

Challenging Information

609

(1)

Hostile Information

609

(1)

Zinger

609

(1)

Questioning Technique

609

(1)

Expert Testimony

610

(1)

Introduction

610

(1)

Standards for Expert Testimony

611

(2)

Areas of Expertise

611

(1)

Scope of Opinion

612

(1)

Bases for Opinion

612

(1)

The Expert's Overview

613

(2)

Offering Expert Testimony

615

(10)

Introduction and Foreshadowing

615

(1)

Qualification

616

(1)

Technical Requirements

616

(1)

Persuasive Qualification

617

(1)

Tender of the Witness

618

(1)

Opinion and Theory

618

(1)

Statement of Opinion

619

(1)

Statement of Theory

620

(1)

Explanation and Support

621

(1)

Data

621

(1)

Assumptions

622

(1)

Theory Differentiation

622

(2)

Conclusion

624

(1)

Exhibits

625

(1)

The Role of Exhibits

625

(1)

Types of Exhibits

626

(2)

Real Evidence

626

(1)

Demonstrative Evidence

626

(1)

Documentary Evidence

627

(1)

Pretrial Procedures for the Admission of Exhibits

628

(2)

Pretrial Conferences and Orders

628

(1)

Motions in Limine

629

(1)

Stipulations

629

(1)

Requests to Admit

630

(1)

Offering Exhibits at Trial

630

(6)

Mark the Exhibit for Identification

630

(1)

Identify the Exhibit for Opposing Counsel

631

(1)

Examine the Witness on the Foundation for the Exhibit

632

(1)

Show the Exhibit to the Witness

632

(1)

Identify the Exhibit

632

(1)

Complete the Foundation for the Exhibit

633

(1)

Offer the Exhibit Into Evidence

633

(1)

Publish and Use the Exhibit

634

(1)

Publication

634

(1)

Using the Exhibit

634

(2)

Making and Meeting Objections in Child Welfare Cases

636

(1)

Introduction

636

(1)

Whether to Object

637

(1)

Protocol for Objecting

637

(1)

Making the Objection

637

(1)

Meeting the Objection

638

(1)

Conditional Offers (FRE 104)

638

(1)

Offers of Proof (FRE 103)

638

(1)

Preservation of the Record for Appeal (FRE 103)

638

(1)

Objecting Before Trial: Motion in Limine

639

(1)

Making and Meeting the Objections

639

(8)

The General Rule

639

(1)

Objections as to Form

639

(1)

Evidentiary Objections

640

(7)

APPENDICES

Appendix A-1: NACC Recommendations for Representation of Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases

647

(20)

Appendix A-2: American Bar Association Standards of Practice for Lawyers Who Represent Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases (NACC Revised Version)

667

(44)

Appendix B: Recommended Reading

711

(6)

Appendix C: Child Welfare Organizational Resources

717

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Child Welfare Law And Practice: Representing Children, Parents, And State Agencies in Abuse, Neglect, And Dependency Cases

1932779140

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