Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court Guide — everything LA County parents need to know.

Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court

201 Centre Plaza Drive
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Phone: (323) 226-4000
Web: lacourt.org

Court Operating Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, and all federal/state court holidays
Clerk's Office: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing for security screening.

Approximate Drive Times

From Manhattan Beach: 45–75 min via I-110 and I-10
From Torrance: 50–80 min via I-110 and I-10
From Redondo Beach: 50–80 min
From El Segundo: 45–70 min
Build in extra time for morning rush.

Getting In

On-site parking: Available (fee, approximately $5–$10)
Public transit: Metro Bus lines 70 and 76 stop nearby
Rideshare drop-off: Centre Plaza Drive entrance
Wheelchair access: Yes, ground-floor entrance accessible

What you should have with you

✓ Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
✓ Your court notice or hearing date letter
✓ Any DCFS letters, safety plans, or correspondence
✓ Your attorney's business card and direct phone
✓ Medical records, certificates of completion, treatment letters relevant to your case
✓ Notebook and pen for taking notes
✓ Water bottle (cleared at security)
✓ Snacks for long wait times

Items not allowed in the courthouse

× Weapons of any kind (knives, pepper spray, firearms)
× Recording devices (audio or video)
× Large bags or backpacks
× Outside food (other than baby food/formula)
× Alcohol or any controlled substance
× Aerosol cans
× Children (unless they are the subject of the case — check with your attorney first)
× Cameras (cell phone cameras must remain off in the courtroom)

Bench Officer (Judge or Referee)

Presides over the hearing and makes all rulings. Some Edelman courtrooms are presided over by commissioners or judicial referees rather than full Superior Court judges.

County Counsel

The Office of County Counsel represents DCFS as petitioner. They argue for sustaining the petition, against return of the child, and for the case plan DCFS recommends.

Children's Law Center (CLC)

CLC represents the minor child. The child has their own attorney, separate from both DCFS and the parents. CLC attorneys advocate for what they believe is in the child's best interests.

Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers (LADL)

Court-appointed counsel for indigent parents. LADL panel attorneys represent parents who qualify for free counsel. Their job is to advocate for the parent's stated position.

Private Parent Counsel

If you've retained Mo Abuershaid or another private attorney, that attorney appears in place of (or alongside) LADL. Private counsel typically has more time per case and broader resources.

DCFS Social Worker

The assigned Continuing Services Worker (CSW) or Court Officer attends most hearings. They report on case progress and can be examined and cross-examined by counsel.

Courtroom Clerk & Bailiff

The clerk manages the docket, marks exhibits, and prepares orders. The bailiff (a sheriff's deputy) maintains courtroom security and order.

Interpreter (When Requested)

Court-certified interpreters are available at no cost to parties. Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Armenian, and many other languages. Request in advance through your attorney or the court.

Detention Hearing · Welf. & Inst. Code § 315

Held within 1 judicial day of removal. The court decides whether to continue detention or release the child. First and earliest chance to argue against detention.

Jurisdiction Hearing · Welf. & Inst. Code § 355

The trial of the case. Court decides whether DCFS proved the § 300 petition allegations by preponderance of the evidence. Cross-examination, witness testimony, evidence challenges all happen here.

Disposition Hearing · Welf. & Inst. Code § 358

After jurisdiction is sustained, the court sets the case plan, services, visitation, and placement. Often consolidated with jurisdiction when uncontested.

Six-Month Review · Welf. & Inst. Code § 366.21(e)

First statutory review. The court evaluates case plan compliance and decides whether to return the child or continue services. Strong showing of progress is critical.

Twelve-Month Permanency Review · Welf. & Inst. Code § 366.21(f)

Higher-stakes review. The court must either return the child or terminate reunification services and set a § 366.26 hearing. Often the most consequential review hearing.

Eighteen-Month Permanency Review · Welf. & Inst. Code § 366.22

Final reunification review. If the child is not returned at this hearing, services must be terminated and a § 366.26 hearing must be set within 120 days.

§ 366.26 Permanency Hearing · Welf. & Inst. Code § 366.26

The most consequential hearing of the case. Court selects the permanent plan: adoption, guardianship, or long-term foster care. Parental rights can be terminated here. The "beneficial parent-child relationship" exception is litigated.

§ 388 Modification Petition · Welf. & Inst. Code § 388

A parent who has made a substantial change of circumstances can petition the court at any time to modify a prior order, including placement, services, or visitation. Powerful tool after early hearings have gone against you.

Post-Permanency Review · Welf. & Inst. Code § 366.3

After a permanent plan is set, the court conducts post-permanency reviews every 6 months to monitor placement stability and address visitation, sibling contact, and case closure issues.

✓ Arrive at least 30 minutes early
✓ Dress in business or business-casual attire
✓ Address the bench officer as "Your Honor"
✓ Stand when the bench officer enters or addresses you
✓ Speak only when directly asked, or through your attorney
✓ Bring documentation of treatment, services, and progress
✓ Silence your phone before entering the courtroom
✓ Stay calm even when DCFS or county counsel says something you disagree with

× Interrupt the bench officer, DCFS, or any attorney
× Argue with the bench officer or roll your eyes
× Speak to the bench officer directly (speak through your attorney)
× Wear gang-related clothing, profanity, or revealing attire
× Bring drugs, alcohol, or be under the influence
× Use your phone in the courtroom
× Record audio or video
× Discuss case facts with anyone other than your attorney

Are Edelman hearings open to the public?

No. Dependency hearings are closed to the general public under Welf. & Inst. Code § 346. Only parties to the case, their attorneys, the child (in some circumstances), court personnel, and approved support persons may attend. Records are confidential under Welf. & Inst. Code § 827.

Can I bring a support person?

Yes, with court approval. Under California Civil Code § 1869 and related dependency court rules, a parent may bring a support person (such as a clergy member, family advocate, or counselor). Discuss with your attorney in advance.

Should I bring my child to court?

Usually no, unless the child is the subject of the case and their presence is ordered or expected. Children older than 10 generally have a right to attend hearings about their case. Younger children are typically not brought to court. Confirm with your attorney before each hearing.

What if I can't get to Edelman because of work or distance?

Many hearings allow remote appearance by video when arranged in advance through your attorney. The Los Angeles Superior Court has expanded remote-appearance options post-pandemic. Some hearings still require in-person appearance — especially contested trials.

What happens if I miss my hearing?

Missing a dependency hearing without prior excuse is treated seriously. The court may proceed without you, the bench officer may make rulings adverse to your position, and your absence is noted in the file. If an emergency prevents you from attending, call your attorney immediately so they can notify the court.

Will I get to speak in court?

Usually most communication happens through your attorney. The bench officer may ask you direct questions about your situation, services, or visitation. In contested trials, you may testify under oath. Your attorney will prepare you for any expected testimony.

How long does a typical hearing take?

Status reviews and uncontested hearings typically last 10–30 minutes. Contested jurisdiction trials, § 366.26 hearings, and § 388 evidentiary hearings can last several hours or multiple days. Plan to be at Edelman for half a day even for a short hearing because cases stack on the calendar.

Can I appeal a ruling from Edelman?

Yes. Most dependency orders are appealable to the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District. The notice of appeal must generally be filed within 60 days. Orders setting a § 366.26 hearing require an expedited writ petition under California Rules of Court 8.452, with much shorter deadlines.