Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in California

Relinquishing parental rights

My 13-year-old son is out of control. Despite firm discipline and serious consequences he is increasingly abusive, violent, firesetting, truant, making false DCFS reports of abuse when he doesn't get his way, etc. Currently in a residential treatment facility through an AB3632 referral to the Department of Mental Health under category ''Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED).'' In about 5 months DMH must cease involvement and return him home if other arrangements aren't made.

I do not want him home because I am afraid he will attack me or burn the house down. He hasn't been caught committing any crimes-- yet. Father's location unknown. I have not been given a diagnosis for my son's problem, but I am unable to meet his mental health needs. Facility and DMH agree he needs continued residential placement. DMH recommended relinquishing parental rights through DCFS. DCFS extremely unhelpful, unprofessional and even downright hostile in the past. Please advise on best way to initiate the process while minimizing DCFS ability to attack me with charges, slander, or harassment. Also, are there advocates/attorneys who can represent the parent's rights in such a case? Thank you.


Asked on 5/04/01, 7:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Rooney D. G. Rooney, Attorney At Law

Re: Relinquishing parental rights

(1) Secure SSI funding for your son. (2) Secure assistance from state Department of Mental Health. (3) Institutionalize him at a state facility through State Mental Health Depatment with the Funding provided by SSI. Basically, you can't surrender your parental rights without being "blamed" or albaleed as a "wrong doer".

Good Luck.

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Answered on 7/16/01, 4:35 pm


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