Parents Representation Program

OPD contracts with attorneys to represent indigent parents, custodians and legal guardians involved in child dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings. 

Effective July 1, 2018, the program operates in all 39 Washington counties.

Key elements of the Parents Representation Program include: caseload limits and professional attorney standards; access to expert services and independent social workers; OPD oversight; and ongoing training and support.

Additional Information:

• Getting Started

• Case Timeline

• Program History

• Policies

• Provide Feedback

• Reports

  • Evaluation of the Impact of Enhanced Parental Legal Representation on the Timing of Permanency Outcomes
    by Dr. Mark Courtney of the University of Chicago and Dr. Jennifer Hook of Partners for Our Children of the University of Washington
    See also Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 34, Issue 7, July 2012, pages 1337-1343

  • 2011 Follow-up to Case Resolution Study [PDF]

  • 1999 Cost of Defense and Children's Representation in Dependency and Termination Cases [PDF]

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