Remaining of a child with a caregiver
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Partnerschaft und Familie
Procedure
- As a foster carer, you apply to the family court for the child to remain in your family.
- The court sends the application to the parents and the youth welfare office for their information and comments. It also appoints a guardian ad litem for the child ("the child's lawyer"), who supports the child in the proceedings and represents its interests.
- The court hears the child in the presence of his counsel and obtains a personal impression of the child. In addition, the court holds a hearing in a timely manner. At this hearing, the parents and the caregiver are heard in person, and the youth welfare office and the guardian ad litem make their statements. It is also discussed what assistance may be necessary and whether an amicable arrangement can be found.
- If necessary for the decision, the facts of the case are investigated further, for example by questioning other persons or by obtaining information or an expert opinion.
- The family court decides by resolution whether the child is to remain in the foster family.
- Pending the final decision, the court may, on the basis of an immediate need for judicial regulation, take a provisional measure - in particular a provisional stay of the child with its foster carer - by way of a temporary injunction.
Legal bases
- § 1697a Absatz 2 Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Kindeswohlprinzip
- § 37 Achtes Buch Sozialgesetzbuch – Kinder- und Jugendhilfegesetz – Beratung und Unterstützung der Eltern, Zusammenarbeit bei Hilfen außerhalb der eigenen Familie
- § 1632 Abs. 4 Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
- §§ 151 ff. Gesetz über das Verfahren in Familiensachen und in den Angelegenheiten der freiwilligen Gerichtsbarkeit (FamFG)
More information
At https://www.justizadressen.nrw.de/de/justiz/suche you will find the local court responsible for your area with further contact information and service times.
