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: 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. Other child advocate attorneys serve as special education advocates representing parents and children of special needs in issues concerning services and treatment by school districts to ensure that these children receive an appropriate public education as provided by law. Advocates also counsel children and their parents or guardians about accessing resources and understanding their legal rights. Finally, child advocates research legislative proposals and lobby state legislatures on behalf of children’s rights. Reforms in the juvenile justice system are always at issue, as are student rights regarding the authority of school districts.