The Illusion of Appellate Review in Dependency Proceedings. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LeVezu, Alicia
• Is Part Of: Juvenile & family court journal. Volume 68:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: juvenile -- dependency -- civil procedure -- children's rights -- children's law -- family law -- social justice -- civil rights -- foster care; Juvenile justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile courts -- United States -- Periodicals; Domestic relations courts -- United States -- Periodicals; 346.015
• DOI: 10.1111/jfcj.12087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-7109

Abstract

Abstract: In the realm of state trial courts, child abuse and neglect (dependency) proceedings are unique. Dependency proceedings place courts in the position, not of determining an ultimate result, but of overseeing the ongoing actions of a state agency. The court proceedings can continue on up to twenty‐one years without a culminating trial. We must revise our rules of appellate procedure to protect review of dependency decisions so that children and families have the access to justice they deserve.