The Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center, in partnership with the Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS), has implemented a ground-breaking prevention program in which volunteer attorneys work with at-risk children to strengthen and preserve their families. Prevention Partnership promotes collaborative teamwork between the family, DDHS, the community and legal advocates to help families resolve their problems without court involvement. Consequently, it protects children from neglect and abuse, provides them with stable homes and spares them the trauma of multiple placements in foster care.

We are always seeking volunteer attorneys willing to make a modest time commitment to save the lives of children and their families. No prior courtroom experience is necessary. The Law Center will train attorneys to work effectively with these families. 

PROCESS   

• Denver Department of Human Services explains the program to the family.  The caregiver signs an agreement consenting to voluntary services and to have a legal advocate assigned.
• Denver Department of Human Services submits a referral to the Law Center for the assignment of a legal advocate. 
• The legal advocate participates in team decision-making and provides legal representation to the caregiver. Such representation is limited to non-judicial proceedings, explanation of legal rights, guidance and support on legal issues as they relate to the problem. (e.g. allocation of parental responsibilities, restraining orders, housing issues, recovering legal documents, etc.)

LEGAL ADVOCATE RESPONSIBILITIES TO CHILD AND FAMILY

• Develop a relationship with child and family through bi-monthly face-to-face contact 
• Prepare monthly progress reports
• Attend Team Decision Meetings at DDHS
• Help develop a services plan to address the family’s needs
• Monitor family’s progress
• Advocate for the rights of the caregiver

 LEGAL ADVOCATE RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE LAW CENTER