Juvenile Issues:  Deprivation and Termination of Parental Rights

A deprived child is one who is without proper parental care or control, subsistence, education as required by law, or other care or control necessary for his physical, mental, or emotional health, or morals, or has been planed for care or adoption in violation of law; or has been abandoned by his parents or other legal custodians; or is without a parent, guardian, or custodian.  Any person who has knowledge of the facts or in informed and believes a child to be deprived may file an action alleging deprivation. 

The law provides conditions and procedures under which parental rights may be terminated and the Juvenile Court may terminate a parent’s rights when it finds the conditions warrant it.  While the law places a heavy burden on the party wanting to terminate a parent’s rights, it is not insurmountable.  Once granted an order will terminate all of the parent’s rights and obligations with respect to the child and the rights and obligations of the child to the parent arising from the parental relationship.  If a petition to terminate parental rights has been filed against you, you should contact our office immediately.