Sloas, Lincoln

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.

Often, in the traditional adversarial court system,
prosecutors work to secure a conviction of drug offenders
whereas the defense seeks dismissal of the
charges or a less punishable sentence. The judge
acts as a neutral entity hearing testimony and sustaining
or overruling arguments made by opposing
sides. In drug courts, which is a type of non-adversarial
problem-solving court, these members of the
courtroom work group work together to enhance the
likelihood of drug offenders reducing their substance
abuse and future criminal activity. With the growing
incarceration rate in the United States, some states
have opted to use drug courts as a way to divert offenders away from prisons. In this poster, I present
data collected via one drug court observation and
film notes discussing the roles, power and ethical
standards of drug court officials and how they differ
from the traditional adversarial system.