Foster caregivers, in practice, usually take these two roles in either child protection proceedings (abuse/neglect/dependency) or in delinquency proceedings:

• supporter of a child during court appearances, when appropriate; and
• advocate for the child’s best interests in court by providing important information about the child’s history, need for services and/or temporary or permanent family placement.

Knowing and understanding juvenile court child protection proceedings and delinquency proceedings will enable you to fulfill both of these roles.

Foster caregivers also have several important rights and responsibilities in court. (See pages 10 and 11.)