ADVOCOURT For Kids

AdvoCourt for Kids is a nonprofit organization created to provide volunteer advocates to the Family Courts in private family litigation in the Houston, Texas, area. The reason our services are necessary is that judges do not always receive the full story from parties in lawsuits. In most cases, suspicion of abuse or neglect necessitates further inquiry. Public funds cannot be used for non-government procedures such as divorce and custody disputes. State law requires the judge to balance the need for an advocate against the burden of the costs to the family. For families with money, the judge appoints an advocate who is paid, but, if the family cannot afford to pay, the only option for the court is a willing volunteer. The children in our cases are part of routine custody and divorce procedures and they do not fit the criteria for placement with Child Protective Services. Our services do not overlap with Child Advocates because their services are for children in C.P.S. custody and are not intended for private litigation. Our programs provide:

Court Appointed Amicus/Guardian Ad Litem representation. The Courts will contact AdvoCourt for Kids to secure a volunteer amicus attorney or guardian ad litem (non-attorney) to accept the appointment. The children must fit the criteria for family income no greater than 200% of federal poverty guidelines. The staff attorney for AdvoCourt for Kids will monitor the progression of cases assigned to qualified volunteers, who will proceed to investigate all matters related to the children. Investigations include interviewing the child and all family members or custodial caregivers, visiting the home(s) where the child lives, visiting the teachers where the child attends school, reviewing medical records, and interviewing other persons who may have contact with the child. Cases often require 18 to 24 months and 100 pro bono hours to complete. About 50 attorneys with previous experience have committed to accept appointments through AdvoCourt for Kids. We anticipate having about 100 cases pending on a continuing basis, and at least 300 volunteers, including non-attorneys.
Training for Amicus Attorneys and Guardians Ad Litem. Twice yearly, AdvoCourt for Kids will conduct training for volunteers. The training includes information about the legal process of representing the child in Family Court, resources available to volunteers, information about interviewing parties and witnesses, and extensive information regarding mental health issues, drugs and alcohol, criminal behavior issues, and multicultural and low-income issues.
Introduction to Family Court Procedures and Dress Codes. AdvoCourt for Kids will present a video about procedures and judicial expectations of the Family Courts, including proper attire. The goal is to insure the parties understand the procedures of the Family Courts before arrival, so that all parties will feel more comfortable in the formal proceedings.

Funding for AdvoCourt for Kids: Tax-deductible donations will help to insure that services by our community of volunteer advocates are available to the Family Courts. The annual $280,000 budget includes office expenses, salaries and medical benefits for an executive director/attorney, managing attorney and an investigator, and local travel expenses for staff. Our board and volunteers, as VOICES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION, want to serve the courts for children. Every child deserves equal protection in our judicial system. Your contribution will make a difference.


	PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: AdvoCourt for Kids is a nonprofit organization created to provide volunteer advocates to the Family Courts in private family litigation in the Houston, Texas, area. The reason our services are necessary is that judges do not always receive the full story from parties in lawsuits. In most cases, suspicion of abuse or neglect necessitates further inquiry. Public funds cannot be used for non-government procedures such as divorce and custody disputes. State law requires the judge to balance the need for an advocate against the burden of the costs to the family. For families with money, the judge appoints an advocate who is paid, but, if the family cannot afford to pay, the only option for the court is a willing volunteer. The children in our cases are part of routine custody and divorce procedures and they do not fit the criteria for placement with Child Protective Services. Our services do not overlap with Child Advocates because their services are for children in C.P.S. custody and are not intended for private litigation. Our programs provide: Court Appointed Amicus/Guardian Ad Litem representation. The Courts will contact AdvoCourt for Kids to secure a volunteer amicus attorney or guardian ad litem (non-attorney) to accept the appointment. The children must fit the criteria for family income no greater than 200% of federal poverty guidelines. The staff attorney for AdvoCourt for Kids will monitor the progression of cases assigned to qualified volunteers, who will proceed to investigate all matters related to the children. Investigations include interviewing the child and all family members or custodial caregivers, visiting the home(s) where the child lives, visiting the teachers where the child attends school, reviewing medical records, and interviewing other persons who may have contact with the child. Cases often require 18 to 24 months and 100 pro bono hours to complete. About 50 attorneys with previous experience have committed to accept appointments through AdvoCourt for Kids. We anticipate having about 100 cases pending on a continuing basis, and at least 300 volunteers, including non-attorneys. Training for Amicus Attorneys and Guardians Ad Litem. Twice yearly, AdvoCourt for Kids will conduct training for volunteers. The training includes information about the legal process of representing the child in Family Court, resources available to volunteers, information about interviewing parties and witnesses, and extensive information regarding mental health issues, drugs and alcohol, criminal behavior issues, and multicultural and low-income issues. Introduction to Family Court Procedures and Dress Codes. AdvoCourt for Kids will present a video about procedures and judicial expectations of the Family Courts, including proper attire. The goal is to insure the parties understand the procedures of the Family Courts before arrival, so that all parties will feel more comfortable in the formal proceedings. Funding for AdvoCourt for Kids: Tax-deductible donations will help to insure that services by our community of volunteer advocates are available to the Family Courts. The annual $280,000 budget includes office expenses, salaries and medical benefits for an executive director/attorney, managing attorney and an investigator, and local travel expenses for staff. Our board and volunteers, as VOICES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION, want to serve the courts for children. Every child deserves equal protection in our judicial system. Your contribution will make a difference.