what does a children and youth lawyer do

by Moshe Fay Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 10 min read

Family and Juvenile Law

Lawyers working in family law can represent children, parents or both. They work on cases involving adoption, guardianship, custody and visitation rights, among other things. They may advocate for children in divorce proceedings or represent offenders in juvenile court.

What are the typical job duties of a child advocate?

Job Responsibilities

Duties include testifying, reporting to the child welfare system, reviewing documents, interviewing children and family members, and more. Child advocates may also specialize in other areas, including foster care placement and arranging adoptions.

What can CPS do in PA?

A county's division of CPS will look into any reports of physical, sexual, or mental abuse of a child, serious neglect, or an imminent risk of abuse. These reports may be made by parents, family members, neighbors, friends, teachers, day care workers, coaches, medical professionals, and more.

What are my rights with Cys in PA?

CYF is required to check reports of child abuse and neglect. If CYF thinks your child cannot safely remain with you, CYF must tell the judge or master. You have a right to be told when there are court dates concerning you, your child and your family. You also have a right to tell what happened at the court dates.

What can CPS not do in PA?

CPS cannot enter your home without your permission.

Although CPS can show up to your home without notice, they cannot enter without your consent. Unless CPS has a court order, or they believe your child is in immediate danger, they can't enter your home unless you say it's okay.Jun 15, 2020

At what age can a child refuse visitation in Pennsylvania?

At What Age Can My Child Refuse Visitation? Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific age at which a child can refuse to see a parent or comply with a custody order. In fact, Pennsylvania law defines a "child" as an unemancipated individual under 18 years of age.

Do social services always win in court?

The main job of Social Services is to make sure that children are safe and that the standard of care which they receive is good enough (you won't have to be perfect). Most cases do not end up in Court.Aug 8, 2018

Can CYS drug test you in PA?

Published: Jun. 16, 2020, 11:57 a.m. Pennsylvania's Children and Youth Services agencies have no legal authority to require suspects to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing during investigations of child abuse reports, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.Jun 16, 2020

Can social services take my child away without evidence?

Can social services take my child away? Social services will usually only take a child away from their parents if they believe that the child is at risk of harm or neglect in their current circumstances. They are obliged to investigate any complaints or concerns reported to them.Jun 22, 2018

How long does PA CYS have to investigate?

Caseworkers typically complete the investigation within 30 days and submit the results to ChildLine. If agency representatives cannot complete the investigation within 30 days, the CCYA must document the reasons and complete the investigation within 60 days.

Can I sue social services for distress?

You may be able to claim against social services if you were under the organisation's care when the abuse happened, or if neglect on the part of a social worker put you in a situation where you were abused.

Do I have to let CPS in my house Pennsylvania?

Even if a police officer is present, they can only enter your home if you consent, if they have a warrant OR if they hear an emergency situation going on. Do NOT consent to let CPS in your home!Jul 14, 2017

What happens when a parent is reported to social services?

If they suspect a child might be at risk of harm, they have to look into the child's situation and take steps to keep them safe. They might decide to put the child on a protection plan. They may interview or medically examine your child without you present.