The scope and function of the Legal Needs of Children Committee are to find ways to implement the recommendations of The Florida Bar Commission on the Legal Needs of Children. The committee monitors and often influences the legislative process where the legal needs of children are concerned. The committee also studies developments in this specialized area of practice of the law and keeps members of the bar informed of significant developments in this practice area through periodic updates. The committee meets regularly each year for its business meetings, to consider current issues and to share new information related to this distinctive practice area.
The Florida Bar Commission on the Legal Needs of Children released its Final Report in June 2002. The Legal Needs of Children Committee, itself, has separately produced practice guidelines for attorneys who represent children in the fields of dependency and delinquency, as well as attorneys who represent parents in Chapter 39 proceedings. Although these guidelines are not approved by the Bar’s governing board, and are thus non-binding, they have been most helpful to children’s attorneys throughout the state.
