Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

Actually, you're incorrect. The lawyers are there to argue on behalf of their clients' (the children's) wishes. It is the state's job to act on behalf of what they feel is in the best interest of each child. Since the social workers will have more on their hands than they can handle, advocates (Kappa Alpha Theta's philanthropy!) have also been appointed by the court to meet with the children, parents, and others to form an objective opinion on what is best for each child.

Ok so what you're saying is that CASAs are "determining what's in the best interest of the child" in their opinion and the lawyers are expected to represent this in consideration of the child's wishes since the child is a minor. Sounds like the lawyers are also going to be highly concerned with the best interest of the children.

[PeppyGPhiB]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Ok so what you're saying is that CASAs are "determining what's in the best interest of the child" in their opinion and the lawyers are expected to represent this in consideration of the child's wishes since the child is a minor. Sounds like the lawyers are also going to be highly concerned with the best interest of the children.

The lawyers do not have to consider advocates' opinions. If a child says he/she wants to return to mom/dad, the lawyer is supposed to try to find ways to make that happen. However, in the case of young children who may not be able to make a decision of that magnitude, the lawyers are supposed to weigh the wishes of the child with the evaluation of case workers and advocates to help come up with a solution that is in favor of their client.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

The lawyers do not have to consider advocates' opinions. If a child says he/she wants to return to mom/dad, the lawyer is supposed to try to find ways to make that happen. However, in the case of young children who may not be able to make a decision of that magnitude, the lawyers are supposed to weigh the wishes of the child with the evaluation of case workers and advocates to help come up with a solution that is in favor of their client.

I know, it's all a "supposed" to. I was just poking at the splitting of hairs.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

Just quoting you MC to get your attention, saw the quote that you didn't see Feds involved, and they did get involved AFTER the initial raid according to several articles I've seen.

Thanks. I haven't seen that, but I'll take your word for it.

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

Actually, you're incorrect. The lawyers are there to argue on behalf of their clients' (the children's) wishes. It is the state's job to act on behalf of what they feel is in the best interest of each child. Since the social workers will have more on their hands than they can handle, advocates (Kappa Alpha Theta's philanthropy!) have also been appointed by the court to meet with the children, parents, and others to form an objective opinion on what is best for each child.

You're right that I shouldn't have conflated the lawyers and the guardians ad litem, although in my experience they do work together to get what is in the best interests of the child.

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

The lawyers do not have to consider advocates' opinions. If a child says he/she wants to return to mom/dad, the lawyer is supposed to try to find ways to make that happen.

That's not necessarily how it works everywhere; certainly not with younger children. I'll leave it to a lawyer in Texas to say how it works there.

All of that said, it is not necessarily the goal of the lawyers to reunite kids with families.

And Drolefille -- splitting hairs is what we lawyers do best.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Thanks. I haven't seen that, but I'll take your word for it.



And Drolefille -- splitting hairs is what we lawyers do best.

Lol, don't I know it.

Anyway here's one article. Amazing how the Utah papers keep popping up on top of my Google News when I search!
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695269233,00.html

[PeppyGPhiB]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

And Drolefille -- splitting hairs is what we lawyers do best.

As do we PR flaks