Category Archives: Juvenile Law
The Child and Family Law Center: Advocating for the Legal Rights of Children for over 25 years
What does it take to win a Due Process Hearing? A due process hearing is one of the mechanisms for resolving disputes regarding special education services between parents and school districts. Other less formal options such as mediation or a … Continue reading
Share on FacebookWHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS ARRESTED?
Summer is upon us and as a general rule this is a time when our office gets calls from parents regarding their teenager or young adults arrest or questioning by police. Have this discussion now. One time is not enough. … Continue reading
Share on FacebookCo-Parenting in the Age of Coronavirus
There is no road map that allows us to provide hard guidance on how to manage parenting during this difficult time. Families are in unfamiliar territory. However, there are some things that hopefully will help you navigate co-parenting. Follow existing … Continue reading
Share on FacebookAutism and the Justice System
For the past twenty years, our office has represented many individuals on the autism spectrum. As those children grew into adolescence and young adulthood, some of them found themselves involved in the criminal justice system. Their parents were shocked that … Continue reading
Share on FacebookRights of Teens Regarding Confidentiality under the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act
Many parents who come to our office are surprised to learn that their child, if they are at least 12, must consent to the release of mental health information. Who has the right to the records protected by the Act? … Continue reading
Share on FacebookSchool Officials Don’t Need Probable Cause to Question Student
Many parents are outraged when their child or adolescent is questioned by school officials regarding misconduct in a school setting without appropriate Miranda warnings and without notifying the parents. A district court in Michigan recently ruled that a school was … Continue reading
Share on FacebookNo Fault Dependency/Custody Relinquishment Prevention Act HB5598HFA2
Several times a year, parents come to our office and ask us to help them relinquish custody to the State in order to get their child needed mental health services. Often these children are adopted, but not always. What they … Continue reading
Share on FacebookKarma
Last week I received a call from a lawyer who had reviewed a CLE presentation I had done on School Discipline. He was handling his first expulsion case and wanted some advice. I was busy and thought for a brief … Continue reading
Share on FacebookMore Thoughts on Gun Violence
Two Days ago, as I drove home from work, it was announced that the police have charged two people in the murder of Hadiya Pendleton. Like everyone, I was relieved. The radio announcer went on to give the names and … Continue reading
Share on FacebookThoughts on Gun Violence
On Saturday, I was working at home and decided to turn on the news. I found the broadcast of Hadiya Pendleton’s funeral and stayed to watch. I was deeply moved by her death and this celebration of her life. The … Continue reading
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