The juvenile court becomes involved in a child's life when the state, through the State Office for Services to Children and Families, takes protective custody of the child.
Parents are to be notified immediately if their child is placed into protective custody.
The court's involvement continues until the child can be safely returned to his or her home and the case is dismissed. If the court believes the child's parents are not a safe option for the child in the near future a different permanent plan is chosen. This plan could include adoption, permanent foster care, guardianship, or some other permanent plan.