How does the role of an Advocate differ from an Attorney?
Each child that is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court in cases of child abuse and neglect are appointed an attorney for legal representation. An attorney in Washington County may be representing over a hundred children. The Advocate does not provide legal representation in the courtroom. However, the Advocate does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that Advocates do not represent child’s wishes in court, like that of an attorney for the child. Rather, Advocates make recommendations considered to be in the child’s best interest.
