Child Abuse & Neglect

The juvenile court gets involved in the lives of children when:
  • there are concerns that a parent is not able to keep his or her child safe from abuse or neglect (and the court starts a juvenile dependency case), or

  • minors are accused of breaking the law. If that is your case, click to find out more about juvenile delinquency cases.

If you are a parent, child, grandparent or other relative looking for information on what it means to have a dependency case – you are in the right place. 

Important: Juvenile dependency cases are very serious. They can change your life and the child’s life. Talk to a lawyer for more help understanding your rights and the court process. Click for help finding a lawyer.


Click on the links below for more information:

Guide for Parents
Guide for Children 
Guide for Caregivers
Juvenile Court Guardianship
De Facto Parents
 

Related Topics:

 

 

Centro de ayuda
 

Video



Juvenile Dependency Court Orientation
This video about the court process is for parents whose children were taken from their care. 

California Self-Help and Family Law Facilitator Locations

Interactive Google map listing of Self Help Centers and Family Law Facilitators
Click for interactive Google map listing of Self Help Centers and Family Law Facilitator locations, or click for a printer-friendly directory.