Pamela P. Ende, Esquire
Volunteer Fellow at the Support Center for Child Advocates

Q: How did you get involved with the Support Center for Child Advocates?

A: Six years ago, I heard about Child Advocates from a friend who thought I may be interested in volunteering. I had previously volunteered for Cambridgeport Problem Center in Massachusetts, which employs social workers and lawyers to provide free legal assistance and mental health counseling to people with low incomes. Although I loved their model, Cambridgeport Problem Center did not team social workers and attorneys together, which I felt was an important best practice.

I was immediately drawn to Child Advocates’ model. I called Child Advocates’ Managing Attorney at the time, Merrilee Weiss. Although I told Merrilee that I hadn’t provided direct services in 20 years, Merrilee told me not to worry - I would be a terrific volunteer. Her enthusiasm was contagious! I joined Child Advocates as a Volunteer Attorney in 2003. With the mentorship of Rebecca Baehr, Esq., I discovered that Merrilee was right – I enjoyed volunteering and didn’t feel that my time in policy and away from direct practice diminished my ability to advocate for kids!

Q: Why did you become a Volunteer Attorney?

A: Abused kids are the most vulnerable population I know.

Q: You’ve joined Child Advocates as a Volunteer Fellow. How has your role changed?

A: My role is largely the same. I will continue to volunteer three days a week, advocating for 12-15 children at any one time. My fellowship will provide increased structure and support for my caseload, enhancing my commitment to Child Advocates and allowing me to partner more closely with staff. As many of my cases are criminal cases, this additional support improves outcomes. Criminal cases involve dependency and criminal law, and are often the most complex cases Child Advocates receives.

Q: How has your life changed since joining us as a Volunteer Attorney/Fellow? 

A: I’ve learned an incredible amount about child advocacy. I have a greater appreciation of the complexity of the child welfare system and the need for multi-agency collaboration.

Child Advocates encourages collaboration at all levels. Our model requires system discussion as we provide a “whole-child representation” to all cases. This demands interaction with schools, behavioral health agencies, housing organizations, etc. Since volunteering, I’ve been astounded at how quickly a case can change when we get involved, as we provide the medium for others to provide their expertise. It’s a privilege to be a part of this type of change.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer attorney contact Jodi at jschatz@advokid.org or (267) 546-9228.