N
National Origin
In the context of foster care and adoptive placement decisions, the country where a person was born.
Neglect [CDSS MPP 31-002(n)(1)]
The failure of a parent(s)/guardian(s) or caretaker(s) to provide the care and protection necessary for the child’s healthy growth and development. Neglect occurs when children are physically or psychologically endangered. The term includes both severe and general neglect as defined by Penal Code Section 11165.2.
The negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child
to protect the child from severe malnutrition or medically diagnosed
non-organic failure to thrive. Severe neglect also means those situations of
neglect where any person having the care or custody of a child willfully
causes or permits the person or health of the child to be placed in a
situation such that his or her person or health is endangered as prescribed
by WIC Section 11165.3, including the intentional failure to provide
adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Child abandonment would
come under this section.
The negligent failure of a person having the care or custody of a child to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical treatment, or supervision where no physical injury to the child has occurred.
A child receiving treatment by spiritual means as provided in Section 16509 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or not receiving specified medical treatment for religious reasons shall not for that reason alone be considered a neglected child. An informed and appropriate medical decision made by a parent or guardian after consultation with a physician or physicians who have examined the child does not constitute neglect.
Net Income
See Reimbursement under "Voluntary Family Reunification (VFR)."
Neutral Setting
See "Monitored Contacts."
New Case
A referral for which there is no active record.
NOA
See "Notice of Action."
Nonconfidential Information
Statistical, social and/or demographic data which cannot be identified with a particular individual. See "Confidential Information."
Non-Dependency Court Litigation
A type of claim filed by the attorney representing the child in a
dependency action. The claim contains a statement of injury to a dependent
child and, in some cases, the person or entity that has caused the injury.
The claim is filed with the Presiding Judge of the Dependency court, who
appoints an attorney to represent the child or assigns the claim to the Los
Angeles County Bar Tort Panel.
A formal demand made upon the County for compensation preliminary to the
filing of a lawsuit.
An action of proceeding in Civil Court to which the County is named defendant.
Non-Detained Petition
See "Petition."
Non-Reunification Pursuant to WIC 361.5(b)
See "Disposition Hearing" under "Hearings."
Nonrelative Extended Family Member [WIC Section 362.7]
Any adult caregiver who has established familial or mentoring relationship with the child. The parties may include relatives of the child, teachers, medical professionals, clergy, and neighbors and family friends.
Notice of Action (NOA)
A document that is generated to notify a caregiver/client of changes in any payment eligibility, e.g., approval, denial and payment increases and/or decreases.
Notice of Hearing
A legal document which must be served on all children ten years of age and older named in a petition, parents, legal guardians, adult relatives if the whereabouts of a parent(s) is unknown or if they reside out-of-state, any counsel of record, any court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and any other parties ordered by the court. Notices of hearing do not order parties to court, but advise them of the time and place of the hearing and what rights they have in the matter.