Successfully Fighting Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) in Juvenile Court

Successfully Fighting Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) in Juvenile Court

Child Requiring Assistance Case

DCF investigation process“: A public school in MA filed a petition alleging that a student was a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA). The student was alleged to have been missing more than eight days of school in one quarter without a legitimate excuse. According to the school, the student was truant, which can sometimes lead to a DCF investigation process.

During a Juvenile Court hearing, evidence showed that the student missed school to address a bladder condition and associated emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. The CRA statue requires the child to intentionally fail to attend school.

The Juvenile Court judge ruled that the student did intentionally choose not to attend school. The Juvenile Court judge stated that the evidence was that there were no official assessments declaring the student “home bound” or otherwise unable to attend and benefit from school. The Juvenile Court judge adjudicated the student a CRA.

On appeal, the highest court in MA, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC), issued a ruling authored by Chief Justice Barbara A. Lank. The SJC ruled that the DCF appeal process is an essential part of addressing the root causes of juvenile delinquency. The SJC stated the Juvenile Court must consider the child’s purpose for not attending school when determining if the child is a CRA. If you’re wondering about parents’ rights against DCF during such investigations, it’s important to understand the process.

The SJC determined that there was no evidence indicating that the student intentionally missed school or has problematic behavior that could lead to juvenile delinquency given the uncontested facts. The evidence presented showed that the student missed school to address her medical and emotional problems. These issues were nonintentional in nature. The SJC did not find any proof that the modification of the student’s custody arrangement would improve her attendance record. The SJC vacated the Juvenile Court’s ruling and dismissed the CRA petition.

Kevin Seaver is a trusted lawyer since 1991, recognized expert, successfully specializing in fighting the Department of Children and Families (DCF) throughout the Commonwealth of MA.

Need Help Fighting Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) in Juvenile Court?  Call Attorney Seaver or Request Online A Consultation

DISCLAIMER

You find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to seek legal representation from a qualified attorney, like those at the Law Office of Kevin Seaver, who can advocate for your rights and guide you through the complex process of a DCF investigation.

Remember that the ultimate goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while supporting families in crisis.

Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers.

Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from the attorney based on personal circumstances. Thank you.

Kevin Patrick Seaver is a Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer who represents parents against false child abuse allegations.

 

Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer Kevin Seaver has been successfully fighting false child abuse allegations since 1991.

One thought on “Successfully Fighting Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) in Juvenile Court

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    Elizabeth Bernier says:

    I’m grateful for the knowledge provided by Mr. Seaver here on his website. I browsed through it late last night and took more time today to watch all the videos and go through every piece of information. I took it upon myself to reach out and contact him this morning pertaining to a situation I’m currently in with DCF. Mr. Seaver called me the same day I left him a message (today) and he was as helpful to me as he possibly could’ve been over the phone. Giving me his personal cell phone number, and additional advice and guidance. I hope and look forward to the next time we speak. Thank you Mr. Seaver, for all that you do to help families who have wrongfully been looked at in the eyes of DCF.
    Sincerely,
    Elizabeth B.

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