When Child Protective Services becomes involved with your family, you have defined legal rights during a juvenile dependency court hearing. Those rights exist to protect your relationship with your child, ensure the process is fair, and give you a real opportunity to be heard before the court makes lasting decisions. Because these cases often move quickly and can affect custody, visitation, and parental authority, understanding what you are entitled to at each stage helps you respond with intention rather than reacting under pressure.
What Is a Juvenile Dependency Court Hearing in California?
A juvenile dependency hearing takes place after allegations of abuse or neglect are made under California’s Welfare and Institutions Code. The court’s role is to determine whether the child is at risk and, if so, what steps are necessary to protect them.
These hearings are not criminal trials, but the outcomes can be just as serious. Orders may involve temporary removal from the home, supervised visitation, mandatory services, or long-term placement decisions. Because the focus is on child safety, the court relies heavily on reports from social workers and other agencies.
Your Right to Notice and to Understand the Allegations
You have the right to receive notice of the hearing and to be informed of the specific allegations made against you. This includes access to the dependency petition and supporting reports prepared by the agency.
You are not required to guess what the case is about. You should know:
- Why the case was filed
- What conduct is being alleged
- Which hearing is scheduled, and what decisions may be made
If notice is incomplete or late, that can affect how the court proceeds.
Your Right to an Attorney
Parents and legal guardians have the right to legal representation in juvenile dependency proceedings. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint one to represent you.
Having counsel matters because dependency hearings involve:
- Rules of evidence
- Testimony from social workers and witnesses
- Statutory timelines that affect reunification
We use representation to protect your rights, address inaccurate statements, and ensure your position is clearly presented to the court.
Your Right to Attend and Participate in Hearings
You have the right to attend dependency hearings and participate in them, unless the court finds a specific reason to limit attendance. Being present allows you to hear what is being said about you and your child and to consult with your attorney in real time.
Participation may include:
- Responding to allegations
- Presenting evidence
- Calling or cross-examining witnesses, when appropriate
Even early hearings can shape how the case develops, so showing up matters.
Your Right to Present Evidence and Be Heard
You have the right to tell your side of the story. This includes submitting documents, offering testimony, and presenting witnesses who can speak to your parenting, home environment, or progress since the case began.
The court does not rely solely on agency reports. Judges weigh credibility and context, especially when parents actively engage with the process and comply with court orders.
Your Right to Reasonable Reunification Services
When a child is removed, parents generally have the right to reunification services aimed at addressing the issues that led to court involvement. These may include parenting classes, counseling, or substance abuse programs.
You also have the right to:
- Understand what services are required
- Receive services that are reasonably tailored to your situation
- Challenge services that are inappropriate or unavailable
Compliance with services plays a large role in future custody and visitation decisions.
Your Right to Visitation, With Limits
In most cases, you have the right to visitation with your child while the case is pending, unless the court finds that contact would pose a risk. Visits may be supervised or unsupervised depending on the allegations and the child’s needs.
If visitation is restricted, you can ask the court to review and modify those orders as circumstances change.
What Happens If Your Rights Are Ignored?
When rights are overlooked, whether through lack of notice, inadequate representation, or incomplete hearings, the integrity of the case can be affected. Courts are required to follow due process, even in child welfare matters.
We raise these issues when necessary and make sure the court record reflects any procedural concerns.
Taking the Next Step With the Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson
Juvenile dependency cases can move from first hearing to long-term orders faster than many parents expect. The earlier you understand and assert your rights, the more control you have over how the case unfolds.
At the Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, we represent parents and guardians in California juvenile dependency proceedings, focusing on protecting family relationships and procedural fairness. Contact us if you are facing a dependency hearing or are already involved in a case. We can help you understand your options.