Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel Blog
The Office of the Child's Representative is Accepting Attorney Contractor Applications
The Office of the Child’s Representative is accepting applications for contract attorneys
to represent children/youth in a variety of legal proceedings.
Apply before March 31 at https://coloradochildrep.org/contact/#get-involved.
For some time, OCR has overseen guardians ad litem (GALs) who provide best-interests attorney services in child welfare, juvenile delinquency, truancy, paternity, and other proceedings. With the recent passage of HB 22-1038, the model of representation for youth aged 12 and older in child welfare proceedings shifted to client-directed Counsel for Youth (CFY). In addition to elevating youth voices in proceedings, OCR believes this shift will help mitigate bias and disproportionality in child welfare proceedings.
OCR contract attorneys have a tremendous opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of Colorado children/youth. OCR supports attorneys through a robust training program, legal and social science resources, mentors, and many other litigation supports. We have requested an hourly rate increase for the upcoming fiscal year; while we are still waiting on the legislative process to finalize this request, past hearings make us optimistic that our hourly rate is likely to significantly increase.