The Juvenile Dependency Court

In terms of world history, the advocacy of children's rights is a relatively recent development. In ancient times, children were considered to be the exclusive property of their parents. Parents were allowed to exploit the labor of their children or to sell them if they so desired. In fact, parents even had final say over the life or death of their children (Kadushin, 1980, p. 153). The rights of children as individual beings began to be developed during the colonial period in American history. In the seventeenth century, it was determined that parents were required to provide subsistence and education for their children. At the same time, it was decided that parents fail

. . .
ty of a child. For example, a parent might be charged with negligence if he or she fails to properly supervise the behavior of a child (Nazario, 1988, p. 206). Yet another way in which parents may forfeit their rights is by engaging in domestic violence. The county dependency court often decides in favor of removing the children in cases where it seems that the home environment is physically dangerous. There are various parties involved in dependency court cases. Such cases often include siblings and relatives as well as parents and juveniles. The needs of the juvenile are always considered first in dependency cases. The primary concern of the juvenile court system is the welfare of the child; therefore, the decision of the judge will be in terms of what is best for the safety and wellbeing of the child. In some cases, siblings will play an important role in the decision of the court. The placement of one child from a family group will result in a separation which can be emotionally damaging to the remaining siblings. Therefore, child welfare advocates often argue in favor of keeping siblings together whenever possible. If they are split apart against their will, siblings might may experience confused feelings as we
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
African Americans, Baily Baily, Children AFDC, , Placement Children, Angeles County, Biller Solomon, Cruelty Children, Ill Peacock, County Illinois, dependency court, kadushin 1980, nazario 1988, foster care, child welfare, stein 1981, children's rights, welfare children, baily baily 1983, abuse neglect, family reunification, foster care adoption, juvenile dependency court, children foster care, biller solomon 1986,
Approximate Word count = 4652
Approximate Pages = 19 (250 words per page)

More Essays on The Juvenile Dependency Court