The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent state judicial branch agency that, among other things, administers and oversees the state’s programs for appointed counsel to represent children and youth in dependency cases. OCLA’s Children’s Representation Program (CRP) underwrites and oversees the delivery of standards-based, effective, equity-informed, and culturally competent attorney representation for children and youth for whom attorneys are appointed under state law in a manner that improves permanency and wellbeing outcomes for these children and youth consistent with their stated and legal interests.

OCLA is looking for two exceptional individuals with a passion for equity and justice for children and youth involved in the child welfare system. The CRP Program Counsel will help maintain OCLA’s existing program for appointed counsel to represent children and youth who remain dependent six months following termination of their parental rights (legally free children and youth) and support the design and implementation of a new statewide program for appointed counsel for children and youth 8 to 17 that the Washington State Legislature recently created. The CRP Program Counsel will work with the CRP Program Manager to develop and implement effective strategies for attorney recruitment, training, support, oversight, and accountability.

OCLA’s CRP Program is committed to helping foster fundamental change to Washington State’s child welfare and juvenile court practices that have historically and continue to cause disproportionate harms to children and youth of color, who have a range of learning and related disabilities, who are victims of multiple and compounding traumas, and who have never had a legal voice in the process.

For more information, including how to apply, click here: OCLA – Children’s Representation Program Counsel