School Social Worker

[lostd93]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? nj

The Social Worker at my daughters school had a meeting with both me and my daughter because of some things that her father, during his visitation time, had been saying around her (causing emotional distress and affecting schoolwork) and doing around her (causing health issues and causing a number of absences from school).

After hearing some of the things going on she said she would be more than willing to help in any way she could for my daughters well being. My question is does a letter from the Social Worker carry any weight in court with these issues?

 

[Silverplum]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? nj

The Social Worker at my daughters school had a meeting with both me and my daughter because of some things that her father, during his visitation time, had been saying around her (causing emotional distress and affecting schoolwork) and doing around her (causing health issues and causing a number of absences from school).

After hearing some of the things going on she said she would be more than willing to help in any way she could for my daughters well being. My question is does a letter from the Social Worker carry any weight in court with these issues?

No, not at all. A letter cannot be cross examined.

You need an attorney. And to help your daughter deal with the facts of her life. Counseling may be a good thing.

 

[lostd93]

No, not at all. A letter cannot be cross examined.

You need an attorney. And to help your daughter deal with the facts of her life. Counseling may be a good thing.

So if the Social Worker were to actually appear in court and give her findings/opinions.....?

 

[Isis1]

So if the Social Worker were to actually appear in court and give her findings/opinions.....?

it would work better for you.

 

[lostd93]

And if the Social Worker were to appear in court would the judge likely take her opinion seriously? I understand a judges decision can't be predicted but I just don't want to inconvenience or waste the time of the SW and ask her to appear if nothing will come from it.

 

[Isis1]

And if the Social Worker were to appear in court would the judge likely take her opinion seriously? I understand a judges decision can't be predicted but I just don't want to inconvenience or waste the time of the SW and ask her to appear if nothing will come from it.

judges normally take mandated reporters very seriously. unless the social worker comes off as biased when cross examined by the other party.

 

[LdiJ]

And if the Social Worker were to appear in court would the judge likely take her opinion seriously? I understand a judges decision can't be predicted but I just don't want to inconvenience or waste the time of the SW and ask her to appear if nothing will come from it.

Yes, the opinion of a social worker involved with a child would be taken seriously by a judge...as would the opinion of any other "experts" involved with the child or with a case.

Someone else mentioned possible "bias", and that certainly is a factor that a judge will take into consideration. However "bias" is a subjective term. A judge won't necessarily consider a bias a problem if the weight of the overall evidence indicates that the potential "bias" is valid. However, potential bias can be very relevant if the weight of the overall evidence suggests otherwise.

 

[stealth2]

A lot depends on what the "some things" actually are.

 

[lostd93]

And if I was to call in the Social Worker would I have to bring the case to trial?