What if a caseworker (or anyone else) says I dont have to appear in court or attend a meeting?
We constantly receive reports where a caseworker, Guardian ad litem (GAL) or even a respondent parent attorney advises a parent that they dont have to show up for hearings or attend meetings. Failure to show up for any hearing without directly being excused by the judge means that you will lose by default. It is vital that you appear at ALL court hearings in order to protect your rights as a parent. The first hearing will be to determine whether your children will stay in the custody of the state Child Protective Services (CPS) agency. You are allowed to present evidence and testimony at this hearing. It is imperative that you do so, no matter what everyone else says. If your attorney has not subpoenaed witnesses, he must request a continuance so that they can be subpoenaed. DO NOT count on simply being able to cross examine state witnesses. They often dont put on the officer who reached for his gun when you asked for a warrant, theyll put on the rookie who was simply along for the rid
