What is the difference between parties and participants in CHIPS cases?

“Parties” include:

• Petitioner (usually the county)
• Child’s legal custodian
• Child’s guardian ad litem
• Child’s Indian tribe (if applicable)
• Others who intervene as a party and/or are deemed by the court to be important to the resolution that is in the best interests of the child

Parties have all the following rights:

• Notice of hearing
• Legal representation
• Ability to conduct discovery
• Subpoena witnesses
• Make arguments
• Present evidence
• Bring motions
• Appeal orders

“Participants” include:

• The child
• Parent who is not legal custodian
• Any alleged/presumed father
• Relatives
• Foster parents
• Any other person deemed by the court to be important to a resolution that is in the best interests of the child.

Participants have the following rights:

• Notice and copy of CHIPS petition
• Right to attend the hearing
• Offering information at the discretion of the court
• Foster parents (considered “participant’s plus) have the right to be heard in any hearing regarding the child
• Can move to intervene as parties
• Intervention may be discretionary
• Or Intervention of right