The Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) is an independent agency in the judicial branch of state government. OCLA administers the statewide Children’s Representation Program (CRP). The CRP underwrites and oversees the delivery of effective, standards-based and equity-informed representation for children and youth for whom attorneys are appointed under state law. Consistent with The Washington State Supreme Court’s June 4, 2020 Statement to the Legal
Community, OCLA acknowledges that it and its contracted civil legal aid providers operate in a law and justice system historically grounded in racism and that time and again has administered justice differentially depending on the racial identities of those involved. OCLA was an initial subscriber to the Washington Race Equity and Justice Acknowledgments and Commitments. As outlined in its own Race Equity and Justice Statement of Purpose, OCLA is committed to being an active partner in carrying out the Washington State judicial branch’s commitment to ensuring equity and justice for people and communities throughout our state. The CRP is committed to fostering fundamental change in Washington State’s child welfare and juvenile court practices, which have historically and continue to cause disproportionate harm to BIPOC children and youth, as well as children and youth who have a range of learning and related disabilities; who suffer multiple and compounding traumas; who identify and/or present as gender or sex nonconforming; and who lack a legal voice in the process.

The CRP is currently seeking exceptional contract attorneys with a passion for equity and justice for children and youth involved in the child welfare system to accept appointments made under RCW 13.34.212(3) to provide legal representation for children 8-17 subject to dependency proceedings; 0-17 subject to both termination and dependency proceedings; and youth 18 to 21 participating in the extended foster care program in Pierce, Stevens, Ferry, Pend Oreille, and
Wahkiakum Counties beginning no later than January 1, 2025.

For full job description and to apply, click here.