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DiCato Law Offices

Juvenile Law Page

A Definition of Child Advocacy

A     Allow yourself to intervene on your child's behalf

D     Don't be intimidated

V     Vocalize your concerns

O     Opinions on your child's rights should be stated

C     Continue to monitor all aspects of your child's medical and educational needs

A     Anticipate resistance while striving for excellence

C     Count on your instincts for your child's welfare

Y     You can make a difference

    Mr. DiCato has been involved as an advocate in the Juvenile Justice System for over fifteen years.  He has served as defense counsel to children in delinquency cases.  As Guardian Ad Litem in child custody cases.  He has also defended parents in those cases where custody has been taken by a state agency such as Child Protective Services, Children Services Board and even other members or friends of a family. Juvenile issues, though mainly handled in Juvenile Court, can also be determined in Family Law Court and even Probate Court, which handles adoptions.  Sometimes adult criminal cases will lead to a related juvenile case, often when children are removed from a home because one of the adults in the home committed a crime.

    Besides the delinquency cases, which are the child version of adult criminal court, other types of cases involving abuse, neglect and dependency are held in the Juvenile Court.  These cases can result in loss of custody and result in limited contact between the parents and their children.  In some cases, permanent custody can be taken of children by the State resulting in total termination of parental rights with the children being separated from their parents for life with no further contact.

    Issues of custody of children necessarily involve the establishment of visitation schedules and child support.  There are also different types of custody transfer.  Sometimes these are even done on a voluntary basis when parents cannot raise their children for some reason and wish to give custody to a person they know can handle the children.  In many cases, when it is alleged that children are not being properly raised by their parents, Children Services or Child Protective Services become involved.  This usually happens by a referral which is sometimes made by police but other times by just other people calling them and reporting that the children are in a bad situation.

    We understand how delicate and important legal matters affecting children can be.  Along with broad experience, Mr. DiCato is constantly keeping abreast of the new laws and court cases that effect the area of Juvenile Law.  If  you need an attorney for your juvenile matter, or simply have some questions you would like to mask, take advantage of our free consultation and find out.

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