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In addition to working with client families, the staff also liaisons with other organizations such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), shelters, treatment centers and state and county officials concerned with child welfare.  We work with families before, during and after court proceedings to ensure children's rights.  Defenders offers legal, forensic and expert witness services and referrals  when children and their families have exhausted available resources through public and social service agencies, and yet the children still remain at risk.  (see Getting Help)   Defenders also interfaces as an educational resource with such agencies as the Attorney General’s Office, State Bar, Court System, Child Protective Services, the State Legislature, and numerous non-governmental agencies as well.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide assistance on a case-by-case basis to abused (or allegedly abused) children where there is compelling evidence of ongoing abuse or denial of rights.  Defenders works to ensure the safety of children and their rights to a healthy living environment. Our mission, further, is to provide an educational outreach to adults and child welfare professionals most likely to intervene and ensure that child abuse will be prevented.


Defenders of Children Goals:  
  • To protect children from ongoing violence or criminal mistreatment in their homes;
  • To ensure children’s rights and entitlements are actualized;
  • To identify and address inadequacies in the child protection and legal systems as they come to our attention;
  • To bring about beneficial changes in those systems by encouraging positive changes in guidelines, in protocols, and at law to ensure the safety and well being of children.
  • To conduct educational trainings for the community and professionals involved in child welfare and children’s legal issues;
  • To ensure safety in all areas of children’s lives, where they live and where they congregate: family situations, school playgrounds, internet chat rooms, etc.

Our Staff:

Executive Director
Staff Attorney
Case Manager
Mohave County Prog Mgr
Donnalee Sarda, LPC
David M. Lujan
Ginger Wooden
Caroline White

Our Board:

Board Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Child Advocate
Child Advocate
Child Advocate
Child Advocate
Child Advocate
Child Advocate
Child Advocate
Betty H. McRae
Joanne McDonald
Tara Bickford-Bailey
Beth Meyer
Shelley Adams
William Ball
Gary Bolno
Claire Bowey, M.D.
Paige Frenkel
Lydia Torea
Vanessa Van Wyk

Contact Us




PayPal


Who qualifies for
help from Defenders?

Intake Form

Getting Help

Additional Phones

Some Case Stories

Next Training Series

Book Release

Fundraising Concert

New Branch Office

Donors

Store