Parents Representation Program Seeking Prefiling Representation

Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose, the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) will contract with Washington State solo practitioners or firms that will provide prefiling legal representation to pregnant parents and parents of newborns at risk of removal by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Components of the Prefiling Representation Program include:

1. Outreach and support to parents who are pregnant or recently postpartum who are at risk of child abuse or neglect reports or investigations.
2. Resources that educate parents about the child welfare system they must navigate in order to keep their child(ren) in their care or have their child(ren) returned, including tools they need to be successful with their case plan and information that helps parents understand and support the needs of their child(ren).
3. Ongoing individual support to help parents involved with the child welfare system, including, but not limited to, assistance with navigating the legal system and DCYF involvement prior to the filing of a dependency petition.
4. Establishing relationships with local medical providers, treatment providers, community service providers, and DCYF stakeholders

For a full description, click  https://opd.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/000010-RFQ24008.pdf

Applications must be submitted no later than October 13, 2023. To apply, email a letter of interest identifying your qualifications and a resume. Letters of interest should also describe the applicant’s current contracts for public defense or other representation as well as existing caseload, specifying the number of your current dependency and termination cases, if any.

Email all materials to: christopher.grande@opd.wa.gov