Child Welfare Law

Please call me for advice on the following matters:

  • Delinquency: The area of criminal law applicable to persons not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. In most states, the age for criminal culpability is set at 18 years.
  • Abuse or Neglect: Child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal and State laws. In Vermont allegations of abuse or neglect can be brought in criminal court, family court or both.
  • DCF Investigations and Substantiations: DCF and or law enforcement officers may be required to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect and determine if action is necessary to protect children.
  • Human Services Board Appeals:If a state agency has made a decision against you, you may be able to seek review of that decision through a Human Service Board appeal.
  • DCF Record Requests: Help obtaining records created or maintained by the Department.
  • Termination of Parental Rights: The process by which a parent’s rights to his or her child are legally and permanently terminated, after which the child becomes eligible for adoption.
  • Foster Care licensing: Licensing for a group home or private home of a state-certified caregiver.
  • Grandparents Rights: A legal right which grandparents in some jurisdictions may have to court-ordered contact (or visitation) with their grandchildren.
  • Education Law: Federal & State Law governs the rights of children and parents in educational settings including rights regarding disability and access to education, rights related to discipline and bullying, and rights relating to access to records.

Testimonials

“Thank you for helping us gain full custody of our daughter. Relating personally with us made us feel comfortable and...
The Law Office of Katina Francis Ready
2013-12-11T13:25:27+00:00
“Thank you for helping us gain full custody of our daughter. Relating personally with us made us feel comfortable and we appreciate your persistence and professionalism. Thank you for everything!”

“Thank you for all you did for me. This ordeal was extremely difficult every day. Your compassion helped me to...
The Law Office of Katina Francis Ready
2013-12-11T13:25:53+00:00
“Thank you for all you did for me. This ordeal was extremely difficult every day. Your compassion helped me to work through the process. Your due diligence and attention to detail were impressive. I’m very lucky for the outcome you were able to work out.”

"Thank you for defending the constitution and defending us against unlawful search and seizure."
The Law Office of Katina Francis Ready
2014-01-15T16:40:48+00:00
"Thank you for defending the constitution and defending us against unlawful search and seizure."

"I find Attorney Katina Francis Ready smart, engaging, extremely hard working and devoted. We spent many long hours together preparing...
The Law Office of Katina Francis Ready
2014-01-15T16:41:05+00:00
"I find Attorney Katina Francis Ready smart, engaging, extremely hard working and devoted. We spent many long hours together preparing for my case, and Katina was always focused, vigilant, and dedicated to doing the best possible job she could. She really cares."

"Working with Katina was a pleasure. She took my case seriously and was always responsive to answering my phone calls...
The Law Office of Katina Francis Ready
2014-04-28T12:19:14+00:00
"Working with Katina was a pleasure. She took my case seriously and was always responsive to answering my phone calls and emails. Her written and oral communications to the court and to opposing counsel were articulate, intelligent, organized, and professional. Her demeanor inside the courtroom was strong and confident, without being unduly adversarial. She is clearly familiar with the legal landscape in Vermont. Most importantly, Katina helped me reach a successful outcome to my case."
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The Law Office of Katina Francis Ready
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