Articles

COA: Hearings delayed for good cause in CHINS case

The Marion Superior Court, Juvenile Division had good cause when it delayed a pair of hearings in a recent child in need of services case, and the evidence against a father of two supported the trial court’s conclusion that his kids are CHINS, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled.

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Transfer petition in adoption case splits Indiana justices

The Indiana Supreme Court’s denial of a petition to transfer a challenge to an adoption that was allowed to proceed without the parents’ consent drew a dissent from two justices who argued that forgoing the biological parents’ permission was “inconsistent with the purpose of the CHINS scheme at large.”

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Denied counsel of choice, CHINS asks Supreme Court for help

Upon being retained by D.S. as counsel in his CHINS proceedings, Indianapolis attorney Rachel Roman-Lagunas visited him regularly, spoke with his family, arranged an in-person visit between him and his mother and assisted in getting him therapy. However, in an unusual turn, her advocacy has been interrupted by the trial court blocking her participation in the case.

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Merger of GAL, CASA programs puts more eyes on kids

What began as a conversation 18 months ago culminated in May with the merger of the guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocates programs in Allen County, bringing together attorneys and volunteers to serve the abused and neglected children who are involved with the court system.

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