Revised September, 2000
 

This handbook is an informal and somewhat unrefined reference work designed to be a starting point for some of the problems that you will encounter. The handbook contains articles, training materials, sample forms, and other materials gleaned (or stolen outright) from various child- advocacy and child-welfare sources.

While the handbook contains a wealth of materials, it is not designed to be an answer manual for all of your questions. Nor is the Handbook the last word on any subject. The handbook will NEVER be a substitute for proper research. The Handbook should be used as a starting point only. Nonetheless, we hope the Handbook will be a useful tool in helping to get you started.

The Clinic handbook contains four types of materials. The first type sets out the basics of dependencies, severance, and guardianships. Included are statutory and case references. Again, these articles are not ultimate truth, but should provide an overview. Always check out the current official statute or rule.

The second type of material provides a how-to commentary or practical background information about a particular aspect of a juvenile case.

The third type of material is an Appendix, which includes examples of minute entries, common pleadings, letters, and other documents with which you may come in contact. Remember, forms are provided for examples only. They are for guidance not for gospel. Never rely on someone else's form or someone else's words for content. Every letter or pleading you prepare should be the result of YOUR well planned thoughts for your particular task--not some "standardized" generic language.

Finally, we have included copies of relevant statutes in the Appendix. Reminder, statutes get revised quicker than the Handbook. Check the pocket parts.

One final note: the Handbook is always a work in progress. If you have any suggestions, additions, corrections, or proposed deletions, please feel free to talk to the Clinic Director. If you work on an interesting case and would like to add a form, pleading, or your own insight, please don't hesitate to come forward.