A Children's Law Center
The practice of law for children is complex and what Voices' attorneys do is highly specialized. Many of the competencies required to represent children in care and protection cases are the same as those needed for other types of litigation - and they require a qualified attorney. Skills needed include conducting interviews, drafting and evaluating pleadings, engaging in discovery techniques, preparing for trial and negotiating on behalf of the child.
At the same time, representing children in care and protection cases can be very different from other forms of litigation. Attorneys representing abused and neglected children must develop expertise in state and federal substantive and procedural law, acquisition of resources and services for children and families, trial advocacy and dispute resolution, and child maltreatment and development.
Advocacy for children in foster care is not limited to the courtroom. Child advocacy attorneys must be equipped to provide advocacy in educational, health and mental health settings as well.
The unique institutional structure of a children’s law center allows our attorneys to focus their full attention to this specialized practice. The result is greater expertise and a high level of support for each and every case.
Our attorneys devote their full-time practice to the cases of child victims of abuse and neglect. For 60% of Voices’ caseloads, they collaborate with City CASA advocates to represent the best interests of our children.
In contrast, contract GALs assigned to care and protection cases in Missouri may manage caseloads of 200-250 children as a part-time practice, receiving compensation for one day a week to cover their caseload.
