Opinion ID: 1343594
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Removal of DHHR

Text: While DHHR argues that it was removed from this case by virtue of the circuit court's ruling during the May 6-7, 1993, contempt proceedings, a careful review of the record does not support this position. The circuit court removed DHHR as the case manager due to its conclusion that DHHR was in contempt of the prior Orders regarding preparation of a case plan for the purpose of reunification. The order entered in connection with this proceeding states clearly that DHHR should remain as a party throughout these proceedings. The circuit court apparently felt that it had no choice but to involve an independent agency like Action Youth, given DHHR's failure to obey the circuit court's repeated directive to develop and follow a case plan for the purpose of reunifying Jonathan G. with his natural parents. DHHR, as a party to this case (usually by its agent, an individual child protective services worker), has the right and responsibility to advocate whatever position it determines proper under the law and in the best interests of the child. However, DHHR also has the duty to follow the court's directives in working on the case from the perspective of the delivery of social services. In a case, such as this, where DHHR refuses to comply with court directives, a circuit court may appoint an agency independent of DHHR to assist in case management. DHHR, however, as the circuit court clearly recognized by virtue of its directive that DHHR remain a party, was not absolved of its statutory duties to Jonathan G. despite its removal as the case manager.