October 2, 2015

CLA attorney to fight for low-income families’ rights in the Supreme Judicial Court

CLA Attorney Laura Gal will argue on Monday 5 October, 2015 in the Supreme Judicial Court for the case Blouin v. Ordonez. 

When  third parties like DCF or a grandparent ask a court to take custody of children away from their parents, low-income parents are entitled to court-appointed counsel.  Parents whose lives improve after the guardianship decrees entered, though, are not appointed counsel to help re-establish relationships with or regain custody of their children. 

Community Legal Aid seeks to remove this inconsistency and to ensure that all low-income parents who have lost custody of children to third parties have assistance of counsel when trying to step back into their children’s lives. This does not, and should not, guarantee transfer of a child back to a parent, but does ensure that parents have a meaningful right to be heard regarding their efforts to be fit, available parents to their children. It also guides courts in making critical custody decisions after a comprehensive presentation of the relevant facts.

When asked why this argument is important, Laura replies:

“Family is at the core of our society.  Helping courts to make informed decisions when children are at risk of separation from their parents is critical.  Counsel is provided when making decisions to remove children from their parents’ homes; it is equally important to provide counsel when considering return of the children to their parents’ homes.  Family integrity and protection of children is complicated.  Lawyers help courts make good decisions about kids and families.”

The court begins hearing argument at 9:00am and the case is now first on the list (subject to change). You can stream the argument live by going to the Suffolk University Law School website.