Manatt Files Amicus Brief for Former Judges Supporting Dependency Court Reform

Manatt Partner and Associates , and filed an amicus brief on behalf of two retired judges in a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals case surrounding the significant challenges within the juvenile dependency court system that create barriers preventing vulnerable youths from receiving adequate support. 

The case, Ocean S. v. Los Angeles County, was brought by seven young adults in the Los Angeles foster care system against the County and five Los Angeles County departments, alleging that the agencies failed to provide legally required housing, mental health care, and support services to transition age foster youth, many of whom have experienced complex trauma and have disabilities. In the amicus brief, which was filed on behalf of retired judges Hon. William A. Thorne and Hon. Margaret S. Henry, Manatt detailed the systemic limitations and resource constraints that hinder the delivery of consistent and effective care, necessitating broader reforms beyond individual court cases. 

“Youths within the dependency court system are entitled to consistent and adequate support to address these issues, but the system is failing them,” they wrote in the brief. “Despite their earnest efforts, state dependency court judges lack the authority, resources, and enforcement power to correct systemic failures. … Thus, federal intervention is necessary to address the systemic issues identified by the Plaintiffs in this litigation.” 

Manatt Partner and Summer Associate Alexandra Quintana also supported the brief. 

Read the full amicus brief .