In Minnesota, family members have access to legal action if they believe a child is at risk. These options are available when the parents of the child aren’t fulfilling their parental obligations or are abusing the child. The county will need evidence of these allegations to allow the family members to proceed. The following is how to acquire a legal guardianship through lawyers in Mankato, MN.
Identifying a Child at Risk
The family member must file a report to initiate an investigation. If the child is abused or neglected, they can start by notifying law enforcement. An officer will visit the property to determine if the child is at risk. If there are any visible injuries on the child, the officers can take him or her from the home and make an arrest.
Child Protective Services
Child protective services have the authority to take action if a child is at risk. During their assessment, the child will meet with a child psychologist who will evaluate the child’s mental state. A caseworker will visit the home and evaluate the living conditions and interview the parents. The findings of these assessments define whether or not the child is removed from the home permanently.
Addressing the Judge
The first step in acquiring a guardianship from a biological parent is to obtain temporary custody. This assignment lasts up to one year. During this time, the biological parent must correct any harmful conditions that place the child at risk. If they do not, the child will not return to their home. The family member that petitioned the court assumes custody of the child during this duration.
The Permanent Placement
If the parent fails to comply with the law, the county can assign a permanent placement with the petitioner. This makes the family member the legal guardian of the child in question. It is less likely that the biological parent will regain custody of the child at this point.
In Minnesota, family members step forward when a child is at risk. They can file a petition through the court to acquire legal guardianship of the child based on this risk. Family members who need help through lawyers in Mankato, MN should visit Blatzlawminnesota.com today.
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