A de facto parent is someone who:

-Cares for a child everyday who is a dependent of the juvenile court,
-Has been acting as the child’s parent,
-Is taking care of all the child’s basic needs for food, shelter, affection, clothing and care.

If you decide to become a de facto parent to a child you have the right to be present al the child’s juvenile dependency hearings, hire a lawyer, present evidence and cross-examine witnesses, and to participate at disposition hearings.

If you need help with juvenile defense issues, please contact a juvenile defense attorney.