Advokids: Information for Caregivers

  • Foster parents are one of the most important sources of information about the children in their care. Courts, lawyers, and social workers should have the benefit of caregivers' perceptions.

    Both federal and state law recognize the importance of foster parents' participation in juvenile court proceedings. Federal law requires that foster parents and other caregivers receive expanded opportunities for notice, the right to participate in dependency court review and permanency hearings, and the right to communicate concerns to the courts. State law similarly provides that caregivers may submit their concerns to courts in writing.

    Caregiver Forms and Supporting Documentation

    In order to properly file a Caregiver Information Form, you now must complete and file only ONE form, the JV 290. For your benefit, the Judicial Council has created an additional form, the JV 290 Info form, which provides detailed instructions for filling out and filing the JV 290. You will find the forms below. All of these documents are in PDF format.

    1. JV 290 Caregiver Information form
    2. JV 290 Info form
    3. JV 290 Fillable form

    >> Download the complete Caregiver Passport Information pamphlet


    A Process for the Review and Resolution of Complaints Regarding the Performance of an Appointed Attorney

    California Rule of Court §5.660 requires all counties in California to have local rules that set out:

    — Standards of Representation for attorneys who represent children

    — A process for the review and resolution of complaints or questions by a party regarding the performance of an appointed attorney

    In many counties, a complaint concerning the performance of an attorney appointed to represent a minor may be lodged on the child's behalf by a caretaker relative, or a foster parent. If you would like to contact the presiding judge of your juvenile court and report a problem with the attorney representing the child in your care, download and fill out the Request for Assistance with Court Appointed Attorney form and send it to the juvenile court presiding judge in your county. You may also download a directory of mailing addresses for all juvenile court presiding judges in California. If you would like more information about the local rules in your county pertaining to standards of representation or the process for review, call or e-mail Advokids.

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