• expect to be nervous;
• your records may be very helpful. Bring originals (if you have them) and photocopies;
• dress conservatively;
• don’t try to memorize what to say;
• speak slowly and clearly;
• use clear and appropriate language;
• avoid a tone or words which convey possessiveness toward the child or condemnation of the birth parent;
• if an attorney asks you a question, answer ONLY the question asked;
• don’t guess. If you don’t know, say so;
• state only what you remember. If you can’t remember details, you may be allowed to review your notes;
• if an attorney makes an objection to a question being asked of you, do not answer—wait until the judge makes a ruling on the objection;
• if you don’t understand, ask to have the question repeated and don’t allow yourself to be rushed or intimidated; and
• be as descriptive as possible when testifying about the events or reactions of the child, so that the judge has a clear picture of what occurred.

Remember

Caregivers do not need anyone’s permission to ask the judge to be heard. The judge may or may not grant your request to be heard, based on the relevance of your testimony to the hearing.

A foster caregiver, caseworker and GAL may not always agree on what is in the child’s best interest.

If you are a witness, the judge may exclude you from