Legal Question in Family Law in New York

My children are in foster care

I want to know my rights as a parent if my children are in foster care. Ive tried to look my rights up online but only get results for the foster parent. Can you help me. I've compleated the cort order and now they are still keeping my children from me.


Asked on 4/18/08, 1:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

jeffrey lazroe Jeffrey A. Lazroe attorney at law

Re: My children are in foster care

Your children were probably placed in foster care by child welfare for a specific reason.

The law mandates that child welfare work towards returning the child(ren) to their parents as soon as possible.

They prepare what is called a "menu" which describes what you have to do to get your children back.

This may include counseling, parenting classes, securing a better residence to accomodate the children, etc.

Once you have completed the program they may set other goals.

If you have completed the program, they really don't have a reason for not returning the children.

You must hire a lawyer experienced in these proceedings to petition the court for the return of the children,

If you wait too long, the DSS can petition the court for a permanent termination of your parental rights. You could loose your children forever.

If you would like to retain the services of this firm, please feel free to contact me. I have over 35 years experience in Family Law, and was one of the Original Law Guardians in Family Court, representing the children in Neglect and Child abuse proceedings.

Jeff Lazroe

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Answered on 4/21/08, 10:50 am


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