Examples of Dependency Issues:

• Happiness for Children and Parents

• Reunification

• Treatment Programs

• Case Plans
• Status Conferences

• Communication with Community Partners

• Communication with Family and Caregivers

• Communication with Guardians Ad Litem

• Termination of Parental Rights

• Abuse, Neglect, Abandonment

• Temporary Custody 

• Criminal Charges

• Drug Court

• Anger Management

• Parenting Skills

• Safety for Children and Parents

​

Dependency - Legal Support During Your Case Plan

Fighting For Your Reunification With Your Children 

​

Losing your child or children is one of the most painful and traumatic experiences any parent can have. In the dependency court, fortunately, there is a legal framework to try and reunify parents and children with each other again as soon as safe and feasible. Sometimes families can be reunited shortly after the children have been removed - if the removal was baseless. More often, however, the parents have to complete a case plan prior to reunification. While parents work on their case plans, the children are usually placed with extended family members, or, in foster care. We can guide you and your family through the sometimes lengthy and frustrating dependency process.

 

Francoeur Law Firm understands that family matters are very sensitive and can bring a great deal of stress to your life. It is important that you look around and find the right attorney who understands your needs. We listen to our clients’ needs to better understand their frustrations and try to help them find the right solution. Talk to us to review your options.

​

Example of Legal Road In Dependency:

1. Shelter Hearing
   The legal arm of the Florida Department for Children and Families (DCF) will try to present evidence of probable cause that the children should be removed / remain removed from their home and sheltered from their parents because the children are NOT safe at home due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. The Judge decides probable cause for removal based on arguments from parents and DCF.
    

2. Arraignment Hearing
   Parents either admit or deny the allegations. 
    

3. Adjudicatory Trial
   Trial during which judge decides if children should remain removed (only if parents denied allegations).  
    

4. Disposition Hearing
   Judge orders case plan, i.e. tasks for parents (often previously discussed at case plan conference outside of court).
    

5. Status Hearing
   Updating the Court about important recent changes and developments, particularly regarding case plan compliance.
    

6. Judicial Review Hearing
   Regular review of case - Judge may order changes in case plans.
    

7. Reunification Hearing
   If Judge deems it safe, children can be reunified with their parents.
    

8. Termination of Parental Rights Trial
   If Judge deems children unsafe despite the parent's best efforts to complete their case plans, the parental rights may be terminated and the children may be on a path to be legally adopted by extended family or foster parents.

​