Relief of Custody

On rare occasions, parents or custodians of children will ask the Juvenile Court to relieve them of their legal right and responsibility to care for a child. Before a judge will hear such a case, however, the law requires that the family be referred to the Department of Social Services for investigation and services, if appropriate.

After the case comes to the Court for a decision on the Petition, the judge can grant or deny the Petition and can enter a number of different orders that the judge may determine are in the best interest of the child.

The parent has the burden of proving that he/she is entitled to be relieved of custody of the child.