Title: Responsibilities of a Child Advocate Attorney | Attorneys.com
Headings: Responsibilities of a Child Advocate Attorney
Responsibilities of a Child Advocate Attorney
Role of the Attorney Advocate
Juvenile Court and Special Education

Content: Responsibilities of a Child Advocate Attorney | Attorneys.com
Responsibilities of a Child Advocate Attorney
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Child advocate attorneys work to protect the rights of minors in cases involving divorce, child custody, neglect or abuse, and juvenile court proceedings. Courts will appoint a child advocate attorney in the following circumstances: Neglect or abuse of the minor
Contested child custody proceedings
Adoptions
Termination of parental rights
Visitation
Juvenile court proceedings
In criminal cases brought in juvenile court, parents can retain a private attorney to represent the minor, or the court will appoint a child advocate attorney because juveniles are entitled to legal representation in these matters. Role of the Attorney Advocate
Child advocate attorneys are usually trained in representing minors or have taken particular courses in family and juvenile law issues. Attorneys can become certified through the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) in child welfare law. To be certified attorneys must have been in practice for three years, have spent 30 percent of the past three years working in the field of child welfare, and completed 36 hours or more of continuing legal education courses in child welfare law. They must also demonstrate written proficiency and legal knowledge in this specialized area. Some responsibilities of child advocate attorneys include the following: Conducting investigations
Participating in all court proceedings and negotiations
Obtaining all relevant records regarding the child and parents
Receiving notice of all court documents
Requesting hearings
Presenting evidence in support of the advocate’s position
Ascertaining and presenting the wishes of the child to the court
Collecting child support payments
Making recommendations to the court
Juvenile Court and Special Education
In juvenile court proceedings, an attorney advocate will coordinate court services with community agencies and resources that provide assistance or treatment programs for children in need of drug or alcohol abuse or other counseling. Advocates also investigate the circumstances of a criminal charge and make recommendations to the juvenile court regarding a suitable disposition of the case.