Legal Rights and Information
Investigations, Early Legal Representation and Preventing CPS Involvement
How to Access NYC Early Legal Representation for Parents During an Investigation or Family Crisis
Your Rights During an Investigation—And How to Use Them
How Early Legal Representation Can Protect Families
Protecting Families from Poverty—and CPS: How Early Legal Representation is Working in New Jersey
A Parent’s Ally: Providing “A Bridge” for Parents in Early Legal Representation
The Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting While Poor
‘I Was Scared for Anyone to Know I Was Pregnant’ – How to Protect Against Removal at Birth
Reducing the Risk – Mothers in foster care need to know what’s in their case file and address risks.
Parental Designation: A Way of Planning for the Expected and Unexpected
Handling Your Case / Getting to Reunfication
Case Control — Your rights in service planning
Critical Planning — Good communication and the right services are key to reunification
Don’t Battle Alone – It’s important to show the court that you have people on your team
Fostering Connections (relationship with foster parents)
How Holistic Legal Representation Supports Reunification
Filing an Appeal
Domestic Violence
Beyond Shame and Denial: Keeping your kids safe from domestic violence
Early Intervention
Child Support — Early intervention can help your baby grow
Education
Fathers
Burden of Proof: Fathers must take responsibility to earn their rights
Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
On the Case – Parents’ rights and responsibilities seeking drug treatment
Protecting Your Privacy – How to work with your lawyer to keep therapy as confidential as possible.
Sexual Abuse
A Responsibility to Report – What to do if your child reveals sexual abuse
Suing the System
State Central Registry (New York)
Clearing Your Name After an Investigation: How to Seal and Amend Your Record
Know Your Rights: State Central Register – Rise and Manhattan Legal Services Facebook Live (video)
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
3 legal options to consider when facing termination of parental rights
The Devil’s In the Details: What parents need to know about post-adoption contact
>> See Rise’s series, Fighting for Our Rights, for additional interviews, articles and personal essays about parents’ legal rights and representation, as well as related legislation.
>> The Your Family, Your Rights site by Brooklyn Defenders Services is for parents/caretakers who are being investigated by New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). Here you will find information about your rights, how to navigate an investigation and how to advocate for your family.