Become a Volunteer Attorney
The Support Center for Child Advocates teams Volunteer Attorneys with Child Advocate Social Workers to represent abused and neglected children in Philadelphia. A victim services agency, we work together with other professionals to secure needed services and ensure the safety of every child in our care, with the ultimate goal of securing a permanent, nurturing environment for each one.
As a Volunteer Attorney, here's what you can expect:
The Volunteer Attorney and Child Advocate Social Worker share responsibilities and work as a team. Volunteer Attorneys typically visit their child clients at least four times a year, appear in court every three to six months, attend meetings periodically, and make frequent phone calls to ensure services are implemented.
As a Volunteer Attorney, you do not have to know family law. Child Advocates requires prospective volunteers to attend a full day of training, which covers the basics of child welfare practice and victim services. You will also learn about the child welfare system from the Child Advocate Social Worker who works with you in representing the child. We serve as a voice for what our children want and need.
You do not need to be a litigator to become a Volunteer Attorney
but you do need to be willing to appear in court and be an active voice for your client. Much of the work in representing children is done outside of court — attending meetings, visiting the child's home, and making phone calls.
We estimate that Volunteer Attorneys spend 2 to 10 hours each month working on Child Advocates' cases. The amount of time you will work on a case depends on the case and varies while the case is open.
During the first month, the case will require home visits and court appearances. Later, the case may stabilize and require less time.
It is beneficial for our child clients to have the same lawyer representing them over time because so many other people in their lives may change. The duration of cases vary. A typical case could last approximately 3 years. Volunteer Attorneys are encouraged to represent the child throughout the duration of the case.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer attorney or need more information, please contact:
Jodi E. Schatz
Pro Bono Coordinator & Intake Attorney
jschatz@advokid.org
267-546-9228
Our next Volunteer Attorney Training is:
April 26, 2010
8:30 am, Registration
9:00am-4:00pm, Training
Become a volunteer attorney for our kids and change the story for Philadelphia's abused and neglected children!
-6 CLE credits provided
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