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

by Ventrell, Marvin R.; Duquette, Donald N.

• ISBN13: 9781932779141
• ISBN10: 1932779140
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-06-30
• Publisher: Bradford Pub Co

Table of Contents

About the Editors	iii
Contributing Authors	v
Foreword	xxix
Introduction	xxxiii
I. THE CONTEXT OF CHILD WELFARE LAW
America's Children	1	(14)
Who Are America's Children and How Are They Doing?	1	(3)
Indicators of Well-Being	2	(1)
Living Arrangements	2	(1)
Educational Attainment of Parents	3	(1)
Poverty	4	(1)
Health Insurance	4	(1)
Child Maltreatment	4	(11)
Poverty, Race, and Child Maltreatment	6	(1)
America's Children in Foster Care	7	(1)
The Current System	8	(1)
Challenges Faced by Foster Children	9	(2)
Improving the System	11	(1)
The Impact of Child Maltreatment on America	12	(1)
Crime	12	(1)
Economic Impact	13	(1)
The Advocate's Role in Promoting Systemic Improvement	13	(2)
Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Child Abuse and Neglect	15	(20)
Physical Abuse	15	(9)
Fractures	16	(1)
Bruises	17	(2)
Lacerations	19	(1)
Burns	19	(2)
Internal (Abdominal and Thoracic) Injuries	21	(1)
Abusive Head Trauma	22	(1)
Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome	23	(1)
Medical Ramifications	24	(1)
Sexual Abuse	24	(4)
Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse	24	(1)
Pedophilia	25	(2)
Diagnosing Sexual Abuse	27	(1)
Emotional Abuse	28	(2)
Neglect	30	(5)
Emotional Neglect	30	(1)
Physical Neglect	30	(1)
Medical Neglect	31	(1)
Failure to Thrive	32	(1)
Educational Neglect	33	(2)
Mental Health and Related Professional Evaluations in Child Welfare Proceedings	35	(18)
Introduction	35	(1)
Mental Health Professionals	36	(2)
Psychiatrists	37	(1)
Psychologists	37	(1)
Social Workers	38	(1)
Evidentiary Privilege and Confidentiality	38	(1)
Evaluations	38	(5)
Evaluating the Evaluation	39	(1)
Mental Health Evaluations	40	(1)
Parent-Child Relationship Evaluations	41	(2)
Psychological Tests	43	(6)
Psychometric Tests	44	(1)
Personality Tests	45	(1)
Projective Tests	45	(1)
Developmental and Intelligence Tests	46	(1)
Neuropsychological Tests	47	(1)
Achievement Tests	47	(1)
Checklists and Inventories	48	(1)
Scoring and Interpreting Test Results	48	(1)
Child Sexual Abuse Evaluations	49	(2)
Conclusion	51	(2)
The Impact of Maltreatment on Child Development	53	(26)
Child Development	53	(20)
Physical Development	56	(1)
Cognitive Development	57	(3)
Language Development	60	(1)
Social and Emotional Child Development	61	(1)
Stage 1 -- Basic Trust vs. Mistrust	62	(1)
Stage 2 -- Autonomy vs. Shame and Guilt	63	(2)
Stage 3 -- Initiative vs. Self-Doubt	65	(2)
Stage 4 -- Industry vs. Inferiority	67	(1)
Stage 5 -- Identity vs. Role Confusion	68	(2)
Attachment, Separation, and Loss	70	(3)
Long-term Effects of Maltreatment	73	(1)
Importance of Developmental Level for Child Abuse/Neglect Issues	74	(2)
Communicating with the Child	75	(1)
Conclusion	76	(3)
Family Dynamics in Child Maltreatment	79	(16)
Introduction	79	(1)
Circumstances in Which Child Maltreatment Occurs	79	(4)
Lack of Empathy	80	(1)
``Trigger'' Behaviors	81	(1)
Domestic Violence	81	(1)
Substance Abuse	82	(1)
Mental Conditions; Postnatal Depression	82	(1)
Isolation	82	(1)
Perspectives for Understanding Abusive or Neglectful Parenting	83	(2)
Psychodynamic Theory and Practice	83	(1)
Social and Economic Ecology	83	(1)
Biology	84	(1)
Developmental Psychopathology	84	(1)
Conclusions	84	(1)
Consequences of Maltreatment	85	(1)
Treatment for Abused and Neglected Children	86	(2)
Treatment for Parents	88	(5)
Treatment Goals	88	(1)
Effectiveness of Voluntary and Court-Ordered Treatment	88	(2)
Measuring Change in Parenting Capacity	90	(1)
Parents Who Are the Most Difficult to Treat	91	(2)
Decisions Regarding Placement, Reunification, and Termination	93	(1)
Summary	93	(2)
Cultural Context in Abuse and Neglect Practice: Tips for Attorneys	95	(18)
Introduction	95	(1)
Defining Cultural and Subcultural Context	95	(2)
The Players	97	(1)
Parents' Attorney	97	(1)
Guardians Ad Litem	97	(1)
Beginning the Process	98	(2)
Begin at the Commencement of the Case	99	(1)
Beginning the Questioning Process	99	(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