Juvenile court was established for two purposes. First, to defend teens that were underage and committing crimes, usually under the influence of adults. Second, to protect children in cases of abuse or neglect, where adult court cannot accommodate the special requests and needs of children in these situations.
In both instances, parents and guardians do not have money to secure and retain lawyers. There are children's charities set up for this purpose, and other related purposes. If you would like to get involved, here is how.
Juvenile Court Public Affair Volunteers
These folks volunteer to help pass out charity event announcements, send invitations, arrange conference venues, etc. If you want to give back to the community, and you also want to help kids in danger or in need, this is a good option. The money raised by these events goes to directly support safe environments for these kids so that they are never in jail with adults, and never in juvenile detention centers when foster homes are a better option.
Sometimes these events even support parents who want to adopt and have to go through juvenile court to do so. None of these fundraising events that support these programs and legal affairs can do it without many volunteers.
Collect Food and Clothing for Kids
Kids who are taken away from their parents while CPS investigates accusations of abuse or neglect are often taken with little more than the shirts on their backs and no food. They are given into the hands of foster parents who are not prepared to receive children at a moment's notice, especially if the foster homes are already full of kids.
To relieve the burden of the care of the children until the county catches up and begins sending support payments to the foster families, you can collect food and clothing to send to these homes. The food and clothing can be dropped off with the social workers in charge of the homes where these children are sent and labeled for specific children. The social workers can drop the clothing and food off with those families.
Rallying Behind Lawyers Who Are "Pro-Kid" Running for District Attorney
Lawyers who spent much of their time in juvenile court protecting and championing the well-being of children often run for the position of district attorney. If and when that happens where you live, you can rally behind these candidates. Join their campaigns to get these lawyers into district attorney positions so that kids in need of legal defense and safe homes will have a better life.
For more information, contact your local juvenile court public affair volunteers service.
