Parental Ratification: The Roles of Our State “Parents”

This study examines the impact of the parties
involved in dependency proceedings under the jurisdiction
of South Palm Beach County’s Juvenile Court.
I present data collected from observations of over
thirty hours at dependency hearings and interviews
of representatives for the Florida Department of Children
and Families (DCF), Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
attorneys, and the Juvenile Judge. The current study
analyzes the foregoing participants and their roles
within reunification, termination of parental rights,
and adoption. Additionally, criminal records, mental
health status, incidents of domestic violence, and accounts
of substance abuse, pertaining to the parents
in Florida dependency cases, are discussed.