Wednesday, February 5, 2003
S.B. v. Department of Children & Families

no.02-2262
Palm Beach County



S.B.'s two children were declared dependent and taken into state custody after she failed to appear in court pursuant to a summons. Later the court appointed an attorney for her who filed a motion to set aside this order. The court never ruled on the motion, nor did counsel take an appeal. S.B. then filed court pleadings alleging that her attorney inadequately represented her. The trial court denied the motion, and the Fourth District Court held that there is no right to competent counsel in dependency proceedings.