Difference between revisions of "The Ministry Has Taken My Kids"

At the first court appearance, the judge <span class="noglossary">will</span> set a date for a ''presentation hearing''. At this hearing, you <span class="noglossary">will</span> have a chance to convince the judge why the child should be returned to you. The judge may decide to make a ''supervision order'' (returning the child to you under supervision of the Ministry) or a ''custody order'' (leaving the child in the care of the Ministry) until a ''protection hearing'' is held.

A protection hearing must begin within 45 days from the end of the presentation hearing. Before or after the commencement of the protection hearing, you <span class="noglossary">will</span> probably be asked to attend a ''case conference'' (a meeting with a judge and the Ministry to see if you can reach an agreement about the child's care). If there is no agreement, the judge <span class="noglossary">will</span> hold a protection hearing. At the end of it, the judge may order that the child be returned to a parent or other person, remain in the custody of the Ministry for a period of time or, in rare and serious cases, remain in the custody of the Ministry on a continuing basis.