Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency

97.29 Rights of Parent vs. Status of Child

In Re A.P., SC06-534, Gary Rhodes for appellee-father.
If a natural parent's conduct has not been inconsistent with his constitutionally protected status, application of best interest standard with a non-parent (DSS) offends the Due Process Clause.
COA Slip Opinion
SC Slip Opinion

In Re A.S. and M.J.W., SC 07-140, Michael Casterline
A court adjudicating a case of abuse or neglect must evaluate the conduct of each parent individually and conclude that a parent is unfit before the court may interfere with that parent's fundamental rights.
Argument set for 10-15-2007

In Re B.G., COA08-149, Annick Lenoir-Peek
Court violated the juvenile code and case law when it failed to grant custody or placement to her father.
COA Docket

In Re J.A.G., COA04-1257, Richard Croutharmel
An abuse, neglect, or dependency proceeding is inherently a multi-party case involving the petitioner, the respondent-parents, and the child. Thus, treating the outcome only as a conclusion of the child's status is inappropriate. In order for a parent to abuse, neglect, or render dependent a child, there must be some nexus between the child's injuries and a parent's act or failure to act.
COA Slip Opinion