When the parent says "adjudicated" he does not mean one needs to go through a criminal proceeding. If there is a property interest involved[1], the government cannot deprive you of it without due process. The level of process can vary depending on a balancing test and the facts involved, but usually will require some sort of notice and pre-deprivation hearing.

[1] An at-will employee will not have a property interest, but a government employee with a contract will.