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Website &
INstructional videos
The website is organized based on your involvement with the court. It caters to both those who are directly engaged in legal proceedings and those who are not. While some sections may appear repetitive, this deliberate repetition aims to underscore the presence of these issues at each stage.
You Can find our instructional videos in each of the sections of our website as described below. this video describes how that information will be conveyed to you.
SECTIONS
Pre-Court CPS
The Pre-Court CPS section comprehensively addresses matters related to child protective services (CPS) investigations, interviews, questions, and what actions to take if you are contacted by them. It also outlines your rights, highlights beneficial services, provides guidance on seeking assistance, advises on requesting specific documents, and offers essential precautions to consider. This valuable information is designed to empower and guide you throughout the initial stages, well before the department files a pick-up order for the removal of your child(ren).
Dependency
The Dependency section signifies your involvement with the court and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Family (DCYF) concerning your child. Whether your child has been removed from your care or remains with you, your case has entered the court system. Throughout the process, we will guide you through each stage, providing insights on relevant laws and state department policies. We will address various aspects of the dependency process, including information on foster care, your rights, factors that can support or hinder your case, recommended practices for services, expectations for visitations, considerations during court proceedings, effective communication with your attorney, navigating meetings, establishing contact with your social worker, troubleshooting communication issues, accessing entitled documents, handling administrative findings, and strategies for building a strong defense. Our comprehensive support aims to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate this complex process successfully.
Post Court CPS
In the Post Court Dependency section, we address situations where your involvement with the department has concluded. Whether your case resulted in a return home, relinquishment and adoption, guardianship, or termination, we provide crucial information to guide you. We cover topics such as the assistance available to parents whose cases were dismissed with a return home, precautions to consider after regaining custody of your child following department involvement, the meaning of relinquishment versus termination, the adoption process and the dynamics of open adoption agreements, matters related to aging out of the system, the legal status of a child who is legally free but not relinquished or subject to parental rights termination, the visitation implications after a termination trial, and your rights within different types of guardianships. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate these post-court dependency situations effectively.
Resources
The Resources section comprises a comprehensive collection of links that we have compiled to assist you throughout all the sections. We encourage you to check back regularly, as these resources are frequently updated. We collaborate directly with Office of Public Defense social workers to ensure the inclusion of as many helpful resources as possible. We firmly believe that knowledge is power, and by sharing information, we can create a network of informed individuals dedicated to upholding the integrity of families. Together, we can build a stronger support system and empower one another.
Blog-News
Our blog-news section is divided into two parts:
Our inspirational stories section of compelling narratives of individuals who have traversed similar paths before you, sharing their tales of struggle and triumph. These stories encompass parents who have undergone termination, parents who have achieved successful return homes, parents who have faced challenges within the system or the court, and more. This platform serves as a space for sharing stories, allowing us to learn from one another’s experiences, both positive and negative.
Our second secion, blog news,will provide updates on new case law, statutes, and policies. Initially, these updates will appear exclusively in this section and will be integrated into the rest of the website after one month, ensuring that you stay informed about the latest legal developments.
About
This section outlines the lawyers employed with Parents Defense Counsel. It’s important to note that these attorneys are appointed by the court, and this section serves to provide information to those who are being represented by these specific attorneys. If you don’t have Parents Defense Counsel representation, please know that this website remains accessible to you in all respects. Our aim is to deliver information to families, aiding their growth and well-being.