For select child welfare cases; there is no question that the juvenile court must be involved for a variety of reasons: due to the immediate and grave danger to the child, as a result of a family’s unwillingness to make necessary changes, or possibly as a result of an individual’s obstruction of a child protective services assessment. In any case, the application of sound, professional judgment is crucial in making the decision to invoke the jurisdiction of the court, as there are positive and negative aspects of involving the court. The involvement of the court can have a far-reaching impact on families and can produce consequences that change families permanently. The courts may help parents see the seriousness of the situation, and to know that their behavior must change. The family may finally get the help they need through court-ordered services. However, juvenile court involvement can only be a valuable tool if it is used judiciously. When a less confrontational, less intrusive intervention will gain the same benefits, court involvement would be premature. Court proceedings tend to be adversarial in nature, and can result in further disruption of relationships. The court may determine that there is insufficient evidence to adjudicate a child and therefore may not order the family to cooperate with agency services. This may negatively affect the agency's ability to work with the family. Agencies must weigh potential gains against potential damage in determining the most appropriate course of action.
