What role does the juvenile court typically play in child welfare cases?

The role of the juvenile court in child welfare cases is primarily centered on making determinations regarding custody, visitation, and guardianship for children who may be at risk or have been removed from their homes due to neglect, abuse, or other concerns regarding their safety and well-being. The court assesses the circumstances surrounding each case, including the child's best interests, and makes necessary rulings to ensure the child's placement is secure and conducive to their growth and stability.

This includes evaluating whether a return to the parent is safe or if alternative arrangements, such as placing the child with relatives or in foster care, are more appropriate. The juvenile court's focus is on the welfare of the child rather than criminal matters, which differentiates it from other judicial systems.

In contrast, while therapy can play a supportive role in child welfare cases, it isn't the court's function to provide such services directly. Similarly, the court does not engage in criminal prosecution of parents, as that falls under criminal courts, nor does it offer financial support; such support mechanisms are typically handled by social services or community organizations. Hence, the juvenile court’s primary responsibility lies in making critical decisions that directly affect the custody and future of children in its care.