What Rights Do Incarcerated Parents in Los Angeles County Have?
Parental Rights Following Incarceration: A Reunification Guide for Parents and their Children in Los Angeles County
Parenthood is a powerful bond that lasts a lifetime, but many parents in Los Angeles County are facing challenges due to incarceration. Incarceration can be devastating, both emotionally and financially, for not just the parent, but also the child. Unfortunately, many parents following incarceration are unable to see their children due to a lack of resources. Fortunately, there are organizations and legal rights available to these families that can help reunite parents and children.
What Rights Do Incarcerated Parents Have?
In California, incarcerated parents have certain legal rights that allow them to maintain their parental relationship with their children. These rights are set forth in the California Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) 764. A parent’s right to visitation, to receive notice of a child’s custody status, and to receive notice of any proceedings concerning their child are all protected under CPC 764. In addition, the law also allows for a parent to receive notice of any court proceedings that involve their children, including family law matters, adoptions, and juvenile delinquency cases.
In addition, incarcerated parents also have a right to request a review of the court’s decision if they feel that their rights were not adequately protected. This is known as an appeal. The parent must file the appeal within 30 days of the court’s decision in order for the court to consider their argument.
Reunification Assistance in Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) provides assistance to families with incarcerated parents. The Reunification Services Program of the DCFS is designed to help reunite incarcerated parents with their children.
DCFS offers a variety of services to help incarcerated parents reunite with their children. These services include:
• Assistance with locating the parent and the child,
• Assistance with transportation to visit the parent in prison,
• Financial assistance to support visitation,
• Case management to ensure that all the needs of the family are met,
• Support during the reunification process,
• Assistance with family counseling and therapy,
• Assistance with job placement and housing, and
• Support for the parent and child throughout the reunification process.
Additionally, DCFS also provides guidance and advice to families who are seeking to reunite with an incarcerated parent. DCFS also provides resources and referrals to other organizations that may be of help to families.
Free Organizations to Help Reunite Parents and Children
The California Innocence Project is a non-profit legal organization that offers free legal services to individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. The organization also provides assistance to families who have been separated due to a parent’s incarceration. The California Innocence Project provides legal assistance to families who are seeking to reunite with an incarcerated parent and can help them navigate the legal system.
The Homeboy Industries is a Los Angeles based non-profit organization that supports individuals who are returning from incarceration. The organization offers services such as job placement, legal assistance, and counseling to individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives following incarceration. The Homeboy Industries also provides assistance to families who are seeking to reunite with an incarcerated parent.
The Los Angeles County Reentry Network (LACRN) is a non-profit organization that provides services and resources to individuals who are seeking to re-enter society after incarceration. The organization provides assistance to individuals with employment, housing, mentorship, and family reunification. The LACRN also provides resources and referrals to families who are seeking to reunite with an incarcerated parent.
In conclusion, incarceration can be a difficult time for parents and their children who are separated due to the parent’s incarceration. Fortunately, there are legal rights and organizations available to help families reunite with an incarcerated parent. In Los Angeles County, the DCFS Reunification Services Program and other organizations provide free legal services and resources to families seeking to reunite with an incarcerated parent. It is important for parents to be aware of their rights and the resources available to them in order to ensure that their parental rights are respected and that their family may be reunited.
