Melissa Gramse, LexisNexis Certified, Volunteer Legal Research Aide
In addition to working with client families, the staff liaises with other non-profit organizations, such as residential treatment centers, along with state and county officials concerned with children's welfare. Defenders of Children works with families to provide information and referrals, and social services including trauma-informed, free counseling for victims. Defenders offers legal services for client-families that meet our criteria, and possible forensic and expert witness services when children and their families have exhausted available resources through public service groups, and yet the children still remain at risk (see Family or Legal Services). Defenders of Children also interfaces as needed with such agencies as the Attorney General’s Office, AZ State Bar, Family and Juvenile Courts, the Department of Child Safety, and State Legislators.
Child Advocacy 101
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This project is supported in part by Grant No. 2016-VA-GX-0046 from the US Department of Justice-Office for Victims of Crime. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US DOJ or the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Defenders of Children delivers services and employs without regard for race, religion, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or national origin. If you believe you have been discriminated against, please email our Civil Rights Contact, at jcornish@defendersofchildren.org for assistance.
Wendy Smith-Lowe, Secretary
Diane Finkelstein, Treasurer, Board Chair
Joanne McDonald, Member