ACS REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE A PARENT'S RIGHT TO COUNSEL

ACS workers routinely violate a parent's right to counsel in every court case. They do this by engaging in discussions about the case AFTER a lawyer has been either assigned by the judge or retained by the parents.  Once a person has retained an attorney, that attorney must speak for the client. These are the rules that govern the right to counsel in New York. Yet, judge;s often turn a blind eye and attorneys are not aggressive enough in enforcing these rules. The ACS worker is not special. They have no special legal standing. As a matter of fact, they are often badly trained, rude and arrogant and routinely threaten the parents with removal of their children. Do not be a victim. Demand that they speak to your attorney and not you. Assert your rights.