Dependency, abuse and neglect charges against parents and other caregivers for minor or dependent children are heard in Family Court on the "DNA docket".  The judges here decide on cases involving children that have been abused, neglected, left unsupervised or otherwise placed at risk of injury or harm.

 Most often, such cases are reported to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community Based Services, Division of Protection and Permanency (more commonly known as "CPS", formerly "Child Protective Services").

When a report is received, it is assigned to a CHFS Case Worker who will investigate the allegations and, if the charges are deemed to be substantiated, then the matter will be handed over to the appropriate Family Court.

The gender identification or sexual orientation of the parent or caregiver alleged to have abused or neglect a child should never be an issue UNLESS it directly and negatively impacts the child or children in question.  The same is true for identifying and appointing an appropriate parent, guardian, custodian, family friend or other caregiver to safeguard the welfare of the child/children in question while an allegation is investigated.

Regardless of the party's gender identification or sexual orientation, we always encourage litigants in CPS cases to cooperate fully with the Social Worker and the Cabinet to investigate and remedy the situation in which a minor or dependent child is at risk of harm.

Other LGBTQ Legal Issues:

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and non-heterosexual couples and individuals have other significant legal issues besides dependency, abuse and neglect cases, such as:

• Same-sex marriage and divorce
• Issues affecting children and the LGBTQ community
  • Custody
  • Parenting rights
  • Social Services ("CPS")
  • Adoption
  • Surrogacy and Artificial Insemination
• Property and real estate rights of unmarried couples versus married couples
• Elder law and estate planning for the LGBTQ community
• Employment discrimination and equal rights
• Domestic violence in the LGBTQ community
• Drug, alcohol and substance abuse in the LGBTQ community
• Mental Health Issues