Enhanced Representation for Non-Resident Fathers in Child Welfare Proceedings

May 19, 2009 This article was written by Patrick Dowd, Washington State Office of Public Defense, and published on May 19, 2009 in the Spring 2009 edition of QIC News. Dowd writes that non-resident fathers face unique challenges when a child enters state care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Child welfare practices, laws and biases can adversely affect non-resident fathers and hinder efforts to unite children with their fathers. Additionally, non-resident fathers often face ancillary civil legal proceedings that affect their children's cases. This article examines the issues that non-resident fathers face and . . .