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