Summary Statement
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an agency within
the judicial branch, charged with safeguarding the welfare of Delaware's
children. It accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education,
collaboration and evaluation with a vision of safe and resilient children with
supportive families. It has 30 full-time
employees, six casual/seasonal employees, nine contractors and over 400
volunteers. OCA operates out of all three counties. OCA’s Legal Services Division represents
approximately 600 children in or who have aged out of DSCYF custody through
appointment of Child Attorneys and Court Appointed Special Advocates with
support from Program Coordinators. OCA’s
Office of the Investigation Coordinator (IC) monitors over 1,200 serious child
abuse cases and leads the multidisciplinary team case reviews. OCA’s Policy and Training Division provides
intensive reviews of serious child abuse cases, manages youth in transition
programs, coordinates child welfare trainings, generates child welfare data and
staffs the Child Protection Accountability Commission (CPAC). Administrative support is provided to all
divisions through leadership, managers, and support staff.
OCA’s Legal Services Division, through the representation of
children, furthers OCA’s goals to:
- Provide a voice for children to achieve permanency and
justice, and to improve laws and policies that affect children and their
families
- Foster a communicative multi-disciplinary team that builds
trust and respect amongst members with a shared goal of improving outcomes for
children and families
- Ensure accountability by examining child welfare data, laws,
and policies
- Develop quality training to increase professional expertise
and public awareness, and facilitate access to resources and opportunities for
youth
Within the OCA Legal Services Division, OCA’s Deputy Child
Advocates (DCAs), assisted by Family Crisis Therapists, or OCA Program
Coordinators and CASA Volunteers, represent children in DSCYF Custody
Proceedings by conducting an independent investigation, completing discovery,
preparing pleadings, developing and maintaining a relationship with the child
client, and collaborating with the OCA Legal Team to achieve permanency for
children. The DCAs also supervise law
clerks, conduct trainings, and serve on policy and legislative committees to
improve the legal system on behalf of children.
Preferred Qualification
- Knowledge of the child welfare system and Family Court
proceedings.
- Prior representation of a child, agency or parent in Family
Court.
Essential Functions
The Deputy Child Advocate in conjunction with a Family
Crisis Therapist or an OCA Program Coordinator and a CASA Volunteer represent
children in DSCYF Custody Proceedings.
The Deputy Child Advocate has the following duties:
- Provide legal representation to children as a Child Attorney
in DSCYF Custody proceedings by conducting an independent investigation which
shall include, but not be limited to, interviews, observations of the child and
relevant individuals, as well as a review of all relevant records and reports.
- Conduct discovery, prepare and file pleadings, respond to
pleadings filed, consult with the attorneys or other parties in the case,
prepare for hearings, present evidence to the Court, and participate in all
depositions, negotiations, conferences, hearings, related proceedings, and
appeals.
- Consult with the Family Crisis Therapist or Program
Coordinator and CASA on each child regularly, and prior to every Court hearing. Debrief with all members of the team after
every Court hearing.
- Provide copies of all case-related documents and
correspondence to the Program Coordinator and CASA volunteer in a timely
manner, including Court dates and Court Orders/ outcomes.
- Ensure regular contact with each child client, considering
the age and developmental needs of the child in determining the person,
frequency, and circumstances of the contact.
Absent good cause, the DCA should have contact with older youth (age 10
or older) between hearings.
- Explain to the child, considering the child’s ability to
understand the proceedings, the duties of the Child Attorney, the role of the
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and the rights of the child.
- Ensure that any age-appropriate child is afforded the
opportunity to come to Court, and meaningfully participate in the Court
hearing, using the Youth Involvement in Court tools to facilitate
participation.
- Appear, when needed, on behalf of a child in related Court
proceedings, and apply and advocate for services, including those from the
Violent Crimes Assistance Program.
- Lead discussion on Extended Jurisdiction with youth and
obtain youth’s consent if it is desired by the youth.
- Provide direct legal representation to young adults between
18-21 years who choose to extend Family Court’s Jurisdiction by filing the
Petition and submitting order of appointment, ensuring the youth receives Court
notices and orders and remind youth of upcoming Court hearing, ensuring monthly
contact with youth, maintaining contact with the Independent Living providers
and identify any haps in services, and attending all Court hearings.
- Assist the Child Advocate and the Chief of Legal Services in
examining and developing policies, procedures and programs of public education,
training and legislative advocacy to secure and ensure the legal, civil and
special rights of children.
- Assist with and attend local and national trainings,
meetings and seminars as requested.
- Represent the Office of the Child Advocate on committees,
task forces and workgroups that impact the legal representation of children as
needed.
- Assist OCA in staffing the Child Protection Accountability
Commission as well as participating in the work of the Commission. Complete other legal representation projects
and committee assignments as needed.
- Participate meaningfully in regular supervision with the
Chief of Legal Services. Maintain
current records and statistical data on all legal services.
- Comply with all statutes, rules and directives pertaining to
the legal representation of a child. Continually review and update personal
knowledge and understanding of State and Federal law, rules and regulations
that impact legal representation of children, and research legal issues as requested
by OCA.
- Comply with all operational policies, procedures and
guidelines established by the Office of the Child Advocate and applicable to
OCA Child Attorneys
Job Requirements
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Delaware.
- Experience working with volunteers, professionals, or
community advocates.
- Strong commitment to the essential needs and welfare of
children.
- Knowledge of interviewing to obtain facts, explore issues
and identify a course of action.
- Ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both
verbally and in writing.
- Ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively.
- Possession of a valid Delaware Class D driver’s license or
its equivalent.
- Willingness and ability to travel between Kent and Sussex
Counties for Court hearings, and to travel statewide (as needed) to meet with
clients.
Additional Posting Information
The location for this position can be located in either Kent County (Dover, DE) or Sussex County (Georgetown, DE). Kent County is the preferred location.
Conditions of Hire
- A satisfactory criminal background check and child
protection registry check is required as a condition of hire.
- Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of
hire.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.