Child Welfare Law deals with the “civil” issues of abuse, neglect and dependency of children, looking out for the best interests of the children.  Usually a state’s family services division/department is involved and has filed a child protection action of some kind.  The outcome of a case may take a few different forms: dismissal, protective supervision services provided inthe home with court supervision of the case, or removal of the children from the home.

Removal of the children may result in a case where the court wants the children to return home to the parents after the parents have remedied the problems that caused the court to get involved.  If the abuse or neglect is severe enough, and the court feels it is in the best interest of the child(ren), then the state may wish to terminate the parent’s parental rights.