The intent of this change is to move children to a permanent placement more quickly, either back to their homes or to termination of parental rights and adoption. Those attorneys must assure that adequate and appropriate services are provided to the parents and the children. When attorneys are appointed before or during the initial development of the case plan, they can assure that there is a realistic and achievable plan for the parent. When a parent is ordered to get drug treatment, an apartment, a job, and attend parenting classes, the parent's attorney will make sure that parenting classes are actually available, that the classes are offered at time when the parent will not have to miss work, that there is a space for the parent in a drug treatment facility and so on. The parent's attorney must also advocate for meaningful visitation, so that the parents and the children maintain a relationship and hope for resolution.
Meaningful visitation is one of the most important services provided to parents.
The lawyers who use their creativity and skills to represent these families have fulfilled their ethical duties to represent their clients zealously, and just as importantly, may have played a part in keeping a family together.