Resources and information about legal issues relevant to appeals in child abuse and neglect, dependency, and termination of parental rights cases, including State and local examples.
Expedited Appeals in Termination of Parental Rights Cases (PDF - 151 KB)
Szymanski
National Center for Juvenile Justice Snapshot, 10(1), 2005
Identifies States that allow for expedited appeals, explains the procedures States currently use in termination of parental rights cases, and discusses variations among States.
How Attorneys Can Improve Interstate Placements: Lessons Learned From State CIP Assessments
Trowbridge
ABA Child Law Practice, 28(8), 2009
View Abstract
Explains key strategies attorneys can use to facilitate the interstate placements of children involved in the child welfare system, including information on pursuing appeals.
Substantiation and Adverse Appeal Outcomes: Content Analysis and Testing of Drake's Harm/Evidence Model
Fakunmoju
Child Maltreatment, 14(1), 2009
View Abstract
Describes outcomes and characteristics of substantiated child maltreatment cases appealed during a 2-year period. The study also develops a substantiation assessment framework and highlights the implications of Drake's Harm/Evidence model for investigating maltreatment and for understanding judicial decision-making in appealed maltreatment cases.
State and local examples
Adoption Proceedings Benchbook
Michigan Judicial Institute (2014)
Contains detailed discussions of legal issues in adoption proceedings, including a section on rehearings and appeals.
Child Protective Proceedings Benchbook
Michigan Judicial Institute (2014)
Explains required procedures in child protective proceedings, including information on appeals.
Child Protective Services: Appeals and Fair Hearings (PDF - 255 KB)
Virginia Department of Social Services (2010)
Discusses parents' rights to appeal a finding of child abuse or neglect. The brochure addresses types of information in the record that can be appealed, levels of appeal, and processes and procedures for administrative hearings and judicial hearings.
Practice Guidelines for Attorneys Practicing in the Dependency Court (PDF - 58 KB)
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (2007)
Presents standards for attorneys practicing in the San Francisco Unified Family Court. One section of the guidelines addresses rehearings/writs and appeals.