The Judge: There is no jury for this type of court.  It is up to the judge to hear all the information and make decisions about what is needed to protect and provide for your child(ren).

The Attorney for the Parents, Guardian or Custodian: You may have an attorney appointed or hire your own.  Your attorney will make sure that you understand what to expect at hearings and will represent your rights and interests. You want to have regular contact with your attorney so that he/she can be well prepared to represent you in court.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and the Attorney Guardian Ad Litem: The CASA is a specially trained person appointed by the court that volunteers his or her time to investigate the facts of a case, and makes recommendations to the court on what he/she believes is in the best interest of your child or children. An attorney Guardian Ad Litem is appointed to ensure that the child's or children's legal interests are protected.  The CASA and Guardian Ad Litem will talk and visit with many people, including the child(ren).  Both the CASA and Guardian Ad Litem usually remain on the case until a safe and permanent home is assured for the child(ren).

The DFCS Case Manager and DFCS Attorney (also known as the SAAG-Special Assistant Attorney General): Whether or not your child is removed from your home, you will be given the name and phone number of a case manager from DFCS.  The case manager will contact you to give you more information and ask you questions; is required to visit you and your child regularly, help you understand the issues that brought you to court, and help you work on your case plan, which lists the steps you need to take to have your child returned.  It is important to have a working relationship with the case manager on your case.  You do not have to wait for him/her to call you.  If you have questions or problems, you can make the phone call and leave a message.  The DFCS case manager will make a case plan for you.  Make sure you understand and follow the terms of the case plan.  An attorney (SAAG) for DFCS presents the case to the court for the case manager.

Parent Aide Workers and Wrap Around Workers: These are people that work as contract agents for DFCS.   They can assist you with certain services so that you can better address and meet your case plan goals.  It is a good idea to have a good working relationship with these individuals as they report their findings back to the case manager and the Juvenile court.

Court Employees: There will be one or more bailiffs and sheriff deputy’s in the court to make sure the courtroom is safe and business is done in an orderly manner.  The clerk of court makes sure that a record is kept of all information presented to the court.  You may also have the right to have an interpreter if you do not speak or understand English, or if you are deaf.