The Judge: The judge listens to all the evidence presented by the lawyers in court and makes decisions based on that evidence. The judge decides what is legally right and necessary to protect your child.

Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA): The Assistant State’s Attorney, or prosecutor, brings the case involving your child to the court. This begins with a petition, which is a legal document telling how your child has been harmed or is in danger. The Assistant State’s Attorney also presents evidence to the court about the danger to your child.

Parents’ Attorney: Your attorney, or lawyer, represents your interests and rights regarding your child. You may hire your own lawyer. If you do not have the money to hire a lawyer, the judge will appoint a lawyer to represent you. This lawyer may be from the Public Defender’s office or from a private practice. You can ask your lawyer to explain anything to you that you do not understand. Be sure to write down your lawyer’s name and telephone number before you leave court, and to provide your lawyer with your address and phone number. Let your lawyer know whenever your contact information changes.

Assistant Public Guardian or Guardian Ad Litem (GAL): Every child will have a lawyer appointed by the court to represent that child. If your case is in Cook County, this will be a lawyer from the Office of the Public Guardian. This lawyer is also known as the Guardian ad Litem or GAL. His or her duty is to represent your child in court and to protect your child’s best interests.

DCFS Attorney: The DCFS Regional Counsel is employed by DCFS to represent the interests of the Department. They work closely with caseworkers and other personnel in the courtroom.

Caseworkers: Caseworkers (or case managers) can be either from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or from a private agency. Caseworkers work with families and children. Their job is to see that children are kept safe, and that parents have a chance to fix the problems that brought the family to the attention of DCFS and the Court. Caseworkers come to court to tell the judge and attorneys about the services they think you and your children need. The caseworkers will talk about what you are doing to help your family and what the caseworker has done to help you. They will inform you of your Administrative Case Review dates (with DCFS) during which your Service Plan and Service Goals will be reviewed. Caseworkers also recommend where your child should live and make a plan for you and your child to visit. Be sure to talk to your caseworker often.

Court Coordinator/Courtroom Clerk: The Court Coordinator calls the cases and gives the court dates.

Court Reporter: The Court Reporter types a word-for-word record of what is said in court.

Court Interpreters: A Court Interpreter translates all the questions and testimony in court into the language used by the individuals involved in the court hearing. In many counties court interpreters have to be requested in advance so they can attend the specific court hearing.

DCFS Court Facilitators (in Cook County only): DCFS Court Facilitators are experienced social workers who are assigned to some of the abuse and neglect courtrooms in Cook County. They ensure that caseworkers are present in court, take notes on cases that are called, and provide assistance and support to DCFS Regional Counsels, caseworkers and the judge.

Sheriff’s Deputy: The Sheriff’s Deputy monitors the courtroom to assure the safety of everyone present.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA): CASA workers are trained volunteers who are sometimes appointed by judges. This can occur at any time in a case. CASA workers cooperate with everyone in the case to protect the child’s best interests.

To download the full Guide for Parents in Juvenile Neglect Cases Booklet, please click here.