Protecting Children's Rights and Welfare in Los Angeles

Children’s law encompasses legal matters that directly affect children’s safety, welfare, and rights. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen provides representation in cases involving child welfare, dependency proceedings, guardianships, and other matters where children’s interests are at the center of legal proceedings.

These cases are often emotionally challenging and legally complex. The firm approaches children’s law matters with sensitivity to the difficult circumstances families face while providing strong advocacy to protect children’s best interests. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen serve families throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities.

Children’s Law Attorneys Who Prioritize Children’s Wellbeing

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen understands that children’s law cases involve some of the most important issues families face. Whether you’re a parent working to reunify with your children, a relative seeking guardianship, or facing allegations from child protective services, the firm provides knowledgeable representation focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families.

From the initial stages through resolution, you’ll receive clear communication about the legal process, your rights, and the steps needed to protect your family. The firm works diligently to navigate these challenging situations while keeping children’s safety and well-being the top priority.

What Is Dependency Law?

Dependency law involves cases where the juvenile court intervenes because a child may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. These cases are separate from criminal proceedings and focus on protecting children and, when possible, helping families reunify safely.

When Does the Court Get Involved?

The juvenile dependency system becomes involved when:

• Child protective services receives reports of abuse or neglect
• Law enforcement encounters situations suggesting children are at risk
• Medical providers report suspected abuse
• Teachers or other mandated reporters raise concerns about a child’s safety
• Parents are unable to care for children due to substance abuse, mental health issues, or other circumstances

The goal of dependency proceedings is to protect children while providing parents opportunities to address issues and reunify with their children when safe to do so.

The Dependency Court Process

Dependency cases follow specific procedures designed to balance children’s safety with parents’ rights.

Initial Investigation and Removal

When child protective services receives a report, they investigate. If they believe a child is in immediate danger, they may remove the child and place them in protective custody, typically with relatives or foster care.

Detention Hearing

Within a few days of removal, the court holds a detention hearing to determine whether the child should remain in protective custody or return home. Parents have the right to attend and be represented by an attorney.

Jurisdictional Hearing

At this hearing, the court determines whether allegations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment are true. Parents can contest the allegations. If the court finds the allegations true, the case moves forward to disposition.

Dispositional Hearing

The court decides where the child will live and what services parents must complete to work toward reunification. The court may order:

• Parenting classes
• Substance abuse treatment
• Mental health counseling
• Domestic violence programs
• Regular drug testing
• Supervised or unsupervised visitation with parents

Review Hearings

The court holds periodic review hearings (typically every six months) to monitor progress on case plans and determine whether children can safely return home.

Permanency Planning

If parents cannot complete their case plans within specified timeframes, the court may terminate reunification services and establish permanent plans for children, which may include adoption, legal guardianship, or long-term foster care.

Representing Parents in Dependency Cases

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen represent parents facing dependency proceedings. The firm’s approach focuses on:

• Protecting parents’ rights throughout the process
• Challenging unfounded allegations
• Helping parents understand case plan requirements
• Advocating for appropriate services and reasonable timelines
• Working toward reunification when possible
• Presenting evidence of parents’ progress and commitment
• Negotiating with child protective services
• Representing parents at all court hearings

The firm recognizes that parents in dependency cases often face difficult circumstances, including substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health challenges, or poverty. The goal is to help parents address these issues while preserving family relationships when children’s safety can be ensured.

Reunification Services

California law generally requires providing parents with reunification services to help them address the issues that brought their children into the dependency system. These services typically last 12 months for younger children and 18 months for older children, though extensions may be granted in some circumstances.

Common Reunification Requirements

Case plans typically include:

• Substance Abuse Treatment

• • • When substance abuse is a concern, parents may need to complete drug treatment programs, attend support groups, and submit to regular testing.

• Mental Health Services

• • • Parents may be required to participate in therapy, take prescribed medications, and follow treatment recommendations.

• Parenting Education

• • • Classes teach age-appropriate parenting skills, positive discipline, and child development.

• Domestic Violence Programs

• • • When domestic violence is an issue, perpetrators must complete batterer’s intervention programs, and victims may need supportive services.

• Housing and Employment

• • • Parents must demonstrate the ability to provide safe, stable housing and financial support for children.

• Visitation Compliance

• • Regular, consistent visits with children and appropriate behavior during visits.

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen helps parents understand their case plans, access needed services, and demonstrate their commitment to reunification.

When Reunification Isn’t Appropriate

In some situations, reunification may not be in children’s best interests. This includes cases involving:

• Severe physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Torture
• Certain violent felonies
• Multiple previous dependency cases with failure to reunify
• Whereabouts of parent unknown
• Mental disability rendering the parent incapable of caring for the child

Even in these cases, parents maintain certain rights and may contest the termination of reunification services.

Guardianship Proceedings

Guardianship is a legal relationship where someone other than a parent has the right and responsibility to care for a child. Guardianships may be appropriate when:

• Parents are temporarily unable to care for children
• Parents are deceased
• Parents consent to guardianship
• The court has removed children from parental custody

Types of Guardianships

• Guardianship of the Person

• • • The guardian has responsibility for the child’s care, custody, and control, including decisions about education, healthcare, and daily life.

• Guardianship of the Estate

• • The guardian manages the child’s property and finances. This is necessary when children have significant assets.

Establishing Guardianship

To establish guardianship, a petitioner must:

• File a petition with the court
• Provide notice to parents and other interested parties
• Submit to background checks
• Attend court hearings
• Show that guardianship serves the child’s best interests

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen represents relatives, family friends, and others seeking guardianship of children, as well as parents responding to guardianship petitions.

Kinship Care

When children cannot remain with their parents, California prefers placing them with relatives (kinship care) when possible. Relative caregivers may become:

• Licensed foster parents (receiving foster care payments)
• Approved relative caregivers (receiving lower payments)
• Legal guardians
• Adoptive parents

The firm helps relatives navigate the process of becoming approved caregivers and understanding their options for providing permanent homes for children.

Termination of Parental Rights

Termination of parental rights is the most serious outcome in dependency cases. It permanently ends the legal parent-child relationship, freeing children for adoption.

The court may terminate parental rights when:

• Parents have not made reasonable progress on case plans
• Children cannot be returned home safely within specified timeframes
• Termination serves children’s best interests
• A permanent plan of adoption is appropriate

Termination of parental rights cases requires strict adherence to legal procedures and protections. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen provides vigorous representation for parents facing termination proceedings.

Adoption in Dependency Cases

After the termination of parental rights, children may be adopted by:

• Foster parents who have been caring for them
• Relative caregivers
• Other approved adoptive families

The firm can represent prospective adoptive parents navigating the adoption process for children in the dependency system.

Educational Rights for Children in Foster Care

Children in foster care have special educational rights, including:

• Right to remain in their school of origin
• Immediate enrollment even without typical documents
• Credit for partial coursework
• Graduation requirements accommodations
• Special education services when needed

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen can help ensure children’s educational rights are protected during dependency proceedings.

Sibling Rights

California law recognizes the importance of sibling relationships. When siblings are in foster care:

• Courts should place siblings together when possible
• Siblings have the right to visit even if placed separately
• Sibling relationships are considered in permanency planning

The firm advocates for maintaining sibling connections throughout dependency proceedings.

Emancipation

Emancipation is a legal process that grants minors some rights of adults before age 18. Emancipated minors can:

• Enter contracts
• Sue and be sued
• Make medical decisions
• Live independently

To be emancipated, minors typically must:

• Be at least 14 years old
• Manage their own finances
• Live apart from parents with consent or at parents’ refusal
• Show that emancipation is in their best interests

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen can help youth seeking emancipation or parents responding to emancipation petitions.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, which can lead to permanent residence in the United States.

To qualify, children must:

• Be under 21 and unmarried
• Have a juvenile court order that meets specific requirements
• Show that reunification with parents is not viable
• Demonstrate that returning to their home country is not in their best interest

The firm works with immigration attorneys when appropriate to help eligible children access this protection.

Representing Children as Their Attorney

In some cases, children have their own attorneys (distinguished from the attorney representing parents). These attorneys advocate directly for children’s expressed wishes or best interests, depending on the child’s age and circumstances.

Appeals in Children’s Law Cases

When trial court decisions are unfavorable, appealing may be appropriate. Time limits for appeals are strict, making prompt action essential.

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen can evaluate whether you have grounds for appeal and guide you through the appellate process.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen for Children’s Law Matters

When children’s welfare is at stake, you need representation you can trust. The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen offers:

• Compassionate understanding of the stress families face in dependency proceedings
• Knowledge of California dependency law and procedures
• Experience with the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court
• Strong advocacy for parents’ rights and children’s well-being
• Clear communication throughout complex proceedings
• Strategic approach to achieving the best possible outcomes
• Commitment to family preservation when appropriate

The firm serves families throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you’re involved in a dependency case, facing child welfare investigations, or dealing with other children’s law matters, don’t wait to get legal representation.

The Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen offers free consultations to discuss your situation. During your consultation, you’ll receive straightforward information about the legal process, your rights, and how the firm can help protect your family.

Call (805) 222-6766 or visit https://sethbowenlaw.com/ to schedule your free consultation today.

Office: 19318 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102, Tarzana, CA 91356

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Law

• Can child protective services take my children without warning?

• • • If CPS believes a child is in immediate danger, they can remove the child. However, a court hearing must be held within a few days to review the removal decision.

• Do I need a lawyer for a dependency case?

• • • Yes. Dependency cases are complex and have serious consequences. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you.

• How long do I have to get my children back?

• • • Generally, parents have 12 months (18 months for older children) to complete their case plans. Extensions may be granted in limited circumstances.

• Can I visit my children while they’re in foster care?

• • • Courts typically order visitation unless there are serious safety concerns. Visitation may be supervised initially and become unsupervised as parents make progress.

• What if I disagree with the allegations?

• • • You have the right to contest allegations at the jurisdictional hearing. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and present evidence on your behalf.

• Can relatives take care of my children instead of foster care?

• • • California prefers placing children with relatives when possible. Relatives must be evaluated and approved by the county.

• What happens if I complete my case plan?

• • • If you complete your case plan and the court determines that children can safely return home, the court can order reunification and eventually close the dependency case.

• Can I get a different social worker?

• • • While you cannot simply request a new social worker, you can raise concerns about a social worker’s conduct with their supervisor or through your attorney.

• What if I relapse during reunification?

• • • One relapse doesn’t automatically end reunification services, but continued substance abuse can. Be honest with your social worker and get back into treatment immediately.

• Can my parental rights be terminated even if I’m trying?

• • Parental rights can be terminated if the court finds you haven’t made “reasonable” progress, not just that you’re trying. The standard is whether children can be returned home safely within the allowed timeframes.

Contact the Law Offices of Seth C. Bowen

Protect your rights and your family. Get experienced legal representation for your children’s law matter.

Call (805) 222-6766 for your free consultation today.