What happens after Child Protective Services files a dependency petition?

When a petition is filed for a child, the child will be assigned an attorney whose responsibility it is to meet with the child and discuss the case. This attorney is just for that child – the parents will get their own attorneys. The child’s attorney will explain the legal process and ask what the child wants to have happen, such as where the child wants to live, what the child feels they need to stay safe, and what services might help the family. If the child wants, they can always attend the court hearings so they know what is happening in the case.