Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2017

Abstract

Child welfare agencies increasingly utilize family team decision-making conferences in cases where there is a pending child protection matter in family court. The simultaneous proceedings present critical questions for all practitioners and judges about the relationship between the court and the agency, and implications for the rights of parents and children. This article discusses the critical tensions raised when the agency pursues extra-judicial conferences in the absence of coordination with and recognition of the court process, including expectations of confidentiality, the role of attorneys in conferences and the perception of fairness in both forums.

Keywords

child welfare, representing parents, representing children, family team conferences

Publication Title

Juvenile & Family Court Journal

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfcj.12085

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