Social Work and Law Essay Example

U.S. 319) and Smith v. Organization of Foster Families (431 U.

S. 816 outlines various interests that must be considered in official actions, such as the private interest affected, the potential for incorrect denial of said interest through chosen procedures, and the usefulness of alternative or added procedural safeguards. Government interest is also a factor to consider, including task requirements and financial/administrative pressures imposed by additional or alternative procedural requirements. The Court ultimately deemed both the child's and parents' interests relevant due to the risk posed to their liberty.

The Court acknowledges both the natural inclination of parents to prioritize their child's wellbeing and seek medical assistance when necessary, as well as the State's obligation to care for citizens who cannot care for themselves due to mental illness and safeguard society from potentially harmful individuals with mental disorders. The Addington v. Texas case highlights that the State's interests must also be considered (441 U.S.).

According to the Supreme Court, it is up to the State to guarantee that due process is not violated as per the Constitution. The case in question resembled Addington's concerns closely; however, the Court focused specifically on the rights of parents and their ability to make decisions for their child's well-being. The District Court's decision was overturned by prioritizing parental interests over the State's interest in regulating minors' commitment to mental institutions.

The Court in the present case declared that the traditional American belief of state power overriding parental authority in all situations because some parents neglect or mistreat their children is incorrect. The Supreme Court acknowledged that, unless there is evidence of neglect or abuse, parents can maintain a significant role, if not

the primary one, in decision-making for similar scenarios as the ongoing case. Additionally, the Court emphasized maintaining the presumption that parents act in their child's best interests. However, since a child's rights are essential and commitment decisions are significant, parents cannot always have complete autonomy to decide whether to institutionalize their child. Nevertheless, they can still seek such care for their children but must subject this decision to an independent physician's examination and expert judgment.
(442 U.)

S. 584) For an essay resembling "Law Should Be as an Instrument of Social Change," visit here. Hence, although minors' confinement is under the State's jurisdiction, parents' desire for confinement should be given priority if necessary. Nonetheless, this does not give parents unrestricted authority to entrust their kids to facilities.

The Court stated that due process must be followed but rejected the District Court’s decision that a trial-type hearing is essential prior to commitment. The Court emphasized that committing minors to mental institutions is a medical question, and requiring an adversarial proceeding would waste time and divert medical attention from their usual tasks. Additionally, the Court noted that requiring a judicial hearing could discourage parents from seeking confinement if needed because they may not want to participate in an adversary proceeding that probes their motives and private family matters. The Supreme Court found that the Georgia Hospital satisfies due process requirements by conducting case studies and diagnoses for each child subject to an application for commitment.

The Court has determined that it is not necessary for the neutral and detached fact-finder to have legal training or be a judicial or administrative officer in order to fulfill due process. This

was previously declared in Goldberg v. Kelly, where the Court emphasized that what matters is the existence of a fair inquiry conducted by an impartial fact-finder (397 U.S. 254).

The Supreme Court's ruling in the case emphasizes that due process can still be considered upheld despite the absence of a trial-like hearing conducted by judges or quasi-judicial officers. The law must adapt to societal structures, including the family unit, as demonstrated by this case. Upholding due process should not require adversarial proceedings if it would infringe upon parents' rights to decide on their children's commitment. Additionally, strict enforcement may instill fear and result in humiliation, potentially harming a child's mental health. The ruling highlights that if adherence to the due process clause would hinder a child's right to timely treatment, then a reevaluation of the law's interpretation is necessary.

The court ruling in this case has a major impact on vulnerable students attending Los Angeles High Schools who rely on the support of social workers and counselors. The decision highlights the crucial role that teacher-social workers' observations and evaluations of student behavior and mental state play in determining whether minors should be committed to mental health facilities, emphasizing the significant contribution made by social workers in promoting children's well-being. Additionally, this precedent-setting judgment holds immense sway over public policy.

According to the Supreme Court, parents' priority for their children's welfare is more important than the State's authority. This was demonstrated in a particular case where parents requested their child's institutionalization. The court ruled that most children are incapable of making rational decisions about their medical care or other critical choices, such as the need for treatment. As

a result, it is up to the parents to make these decisions (442 U.S.).

The State must take into account the parents' decision to institutionalize their children with mental illness, as long as the due process requirements are met (such as psychiatric case studies and medical diagnoses). This was demonstrated in the Parham v. case.

J.R. emphasizes the importance of balancing State interest with that of the family when restricting a minor's liberty through commitment in a mental institution. Furthermore, this highlights the fact that although due process is mandated by the Constitution, it does not always necessitate adversarial court proceedings if such proceedings would impinge upon significantly affected interests.