Bill aims to improve slipshod justice in California's foster-care courts
A new bill before the California Legislature aims to improve the slipshod justice in the state's foster-care courts, part of ongoing reforms on behalf of thousands of vulnerable children and their families.
If signed into law, the bill sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-West Hollywood, and the state's Judicial Council would enforce standards for juvenile dependency attorneys that in most courts would seem routine. Lawyers representing foster youth and parents whose children have been taken from them by social workers alleging abuse or neglect must meet with those clients in advance of hearings. They must explain court reports so that parents — the majority of whom are impoverished and poorly educated — understand why their children were removed and how to get them back.
A step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteIts a pity that Social Workers over here in the UK,will totally disregard the Public Law Guidelines,and not give the Client a list of Children's Panel Solicitors within their vicinity for representation.
Most Parents are not even given information about the complaints procedure,and when a Emergency Protection order is instigated, Parents or Carers have the right to get this discharged within 72 hours,this clause is never ever mentioned.