While the children's court attorney arranges the meeting, the judge orders everyone to appear. Alternately, the adjudicatory hearing can be used to present admissions or a consent decree, if reached. Any other persons the state has joined as parties or who have been permitted to intervene should also participate. The meeting offers an excellent and important opportunity to try to settle the case. The prospects for settlement are greatest before positions become entrenched and personalities traumatized by litigation.
Early settlement is particularly important when the lives of children are in the balance.
Parents who are motivated to regain custody of their children may be more disposed to participate in a treatment plan presented in a confidential, non-adversarial setting. The focus of the meeting should be on meeting the needs of the children, and focusing on the needs of the children rather than the parents may help everyone minimize confrontation at the meeting. A parent may be reluctant to disclose information that could be construed as an admission, especially where there exists the possibility of criminal prosecution. CYFD has prepared a form that meeting participants sign concerning the non-disclosure of statements made at the meeting, but the agreement is not binding on the district attorney. As a result, some respondents' attorneys may advise their clients to remain silent as to the allegations of abuse or neglect.