Dependency petitions involve a child who is under 18 years of age. Situations in which a dependency petition may be filed include a child
- who is beyond the control of his/her parents;
- whose conditions and circumstances are such as to endanger the welfare of the person (child) or others;
- who is dependent for the care and support on a public or private child-caring agency;
- whose parents have abandoned, neglected, or abused the child; or
- who has run away from home.
Under Oregon law, any person may file a petition in the Juvenile court alleging that a child is within the jurisdiction of the Court, although petitions are usually filed by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).
Parties to a Dependency Case:
- legal parent (mother, legal father, and/or putative father)
- child
- Oregon Department of Human Services
- State of Oregon
- Juvenile Department
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- Indian Child’s Tribe (if applicable)
Court Appointed Attorney:
- The child on a dependency case receives their own attorney.
- A parent may be appointed an attorney by the court if they financially qualify as indigent. A parent seeking a court appointed attorney is required to file an application with the court.
- Parents may hire their own attorney.