The booklet first defines out-of-home care and then explains how children and youth get into out-of-home care, who decides whether and when a child returns to his/her parents, the contents of a case plan, the features of a transitional independent living plan, and the legal right of a youth to see his/her case plan. A section on the role of the courts first defines a juvenile court and then explains the nature of a juvenile court petition, the kinds of hearings associated with out-of-home care, and the right of a youth to attend hearings in which a judge makes decisions about the youth's future. Other issues discussed in relation to court hearings are legal representation, who can attend the hearing, and the nature of a "social study." Another section of the booklet focuses on legal issues related to types of placements and legal custody of the youth in the course of out-of-home placement. Other sections of the booklet answer legal questions pertinent to guardianship, adoption, independent living, visitation, the confidentiality of a youth's records, education, health care, and pregnancy. Also discussed are legal rights of youth in out-of-home placement with respect to money, religion, driving, immigrant status, emancipation, complaints, and the youth's rights and responsibilities. 137 notes, an index of definitions, and a listing of useful resources