Children’s defense attorneys are the professionals who work to protect the rights of minors in various cases that may include child custody, abuse, divorce, neglect, and juvenile court proceedings. A juvenile defense attorney is generally appointed by the court in the following cases:

• The minor has been neglected or abused, physically or sexually
• Child custody proceedings that have been contested
• Adoptions
• Visits
• Termination of parental rights

When it comes to juvenile court proceedings, parents may choose to hire a juvenile attorney, but if they cannot afford it, the court will appoint a juvenile defense attorney. These attorneys are trained to represent minors. To become certified in child welfare law, they must be certified through the National Association of Lawyers for Children (CACC). To obtain this certification, they must have practiced as a children’s defense attorney for three years and have spent at least thirty percent of that time working in the field of child welfare. They will also have to complete at least thirty-six hours or more of continuing legal education courses dealing with child welfare law.

Responsibilities of juvenile defense attorneys

• Participate in all negotiations and court proceedings
• Request for hearings
• Carrying out research
• Obtaining all necessary and pertinent records about the parents and the minor
• Receive notice of all court documents
• In support of the attorney’s position they present evidence to support it.
• Collection of child support payments
• Make various recommendations to the court in the best interest of the minor they represent.
• Presentation of the minor’s wishes in court

In juvenile court proceedings, juvenile defense attorneys will coordinate court services with community resources and agencies that provide treatment programs or assistance to any minor in need of alcohol or drug abuse treatment or other forms of counseling. They are the ones who will investigate the criminal charge and the circumstances surrounding it. Juvenile defense attorneys will also make recommendations to the juvenile court regarding a proper closure of the case in the best interest of the minor.

In some cases, these attorneys may act as advocates for special education. If the child has special needs, the children’s advocate can represent both the child and their parents in matters related to the treatment and services offered by the local school district to ensure that these children receive the appropriate public education that is provided. and required by law. They can also advise parents and children to help them understand their legal rights. Children’s advocates also lobby the state legislature on behalf of children’s rights and investigate legislative proposals. Children’s defense attorneys work to make sure children’s rights are upheld.