i am 17 and have always been told that i have the right to go to my meetings but dcf has said i am not invited to this meeting on friday. it is a very important meeting.it is deciding my residents and if i will ever reunite with my family. i want to know if i have the right to attend this meeting becuase i feel it is very important for me to be there to voice my voice my own oppinion and to know what is to become of my life this is after all what the meeting is about... i would truly appreciate if someone could help be with my posiition in this matter it will b much appreciated. Thanx!
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The Editor, Mark Bernardin, is an attorney living in MA. Please send your suggestions or comments to: TheEditor@malawforum.com
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Editor's Response
One of the items on the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families "Foster Child Bill of Rights" (which is based on the requirements of MA law) states:
(The child) Shall be included in the Foster Care Review meeting, Permanency Hearing and Lead Agency Team meeting if age 14 and older, unless documented by court order or service plan that participation would be detrimental to the youth.
Clearly, someone has made a determination that your presence at the meeting might be harmful to you. I would ask you caseworker about the decision. As a 17 year-old, I would think you are entitled to an explanation. I do not practice in this area of the law, but if you feel you need an attorney to help you deal with this matter, try the Mass Legal Help website: http://www.masslegalhelp.org There is information on the site about obtaining legal aid if you cannot afford an attorney. Good luck, and keep us posted.