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Examining the legal representation of youth in foster care: Perspectives of attorneys and attorney guardians ad litem

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  • Jay Miller, J.
  • Donahue-Dioh, Jessica
  • Owens, Larry

Abstract

Despite recent federal policy changes related to improving the quality of legal representation afforded youth in foster care, few empirical studies have examined the topic. This exploratory national study examined the perceptions of attorneys who represent foster youth (N = 934) about the legal representation of foster youth involved in dependency court proceedings. Variables of interest included impact of legal representation on foster care, perceived quality of legal representation afforded foster youth, and perceived quality of the relationship between attorneys and the youth they represent, among others. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and comparisons in perceptions, by demographics (e.g., race, age, etc.) and professional characteristics (e.g., years of experience, jurisdiction representation model, etc.). Overall, data suggest that participants typically agreed that legal representation can be impactful to the overall foster care experience. However, current quality of that representation was rated lowest among all variables. Notably, group differences were detected by gender and jurisdiction representation model. Findings indicate the need for focus on more robust training models, targeted policies, and further research on the legal representation of youth in foster care.

Suggested Citation

  • Jay Miller, J. & Donahue-Dioh, Jessica & Owens, Larry, 2020. "Examining the legal representation of youth in foster care: Perspectives of attorneys and attorney guardians ad litem," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:115:y:2020:i:c:s019074092030325x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105059
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gerber, Lucas A. & Pang, Yuk C. & Ross, Timothy & Guggenheim, Martin & Pecora, Peter J. & Miller, Joel, 2019. "Effects of an interdisciplinary approach to parental representation in child welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 102(C), pages 42-55.
    2. Miller, J. Jay & Duron, Jackie & Washington, Earl & Donohue-Dioh, Jessica, 2017. "Exploring the legal representation of individuals in foster care: What say youth and alumni?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 142-149.
    3. Miller, J. Jay & Donohue-Dioh, Jessica & Duron, Jacquelynn F. & Geiger, Jennifer M., 2019. "Examining legal representation for foster youth: Perspectives of foster parents," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 1-1.
    4. Courtney, Mark E. & Hook, Jennifer L., 2012. "Timing of exits to legal permanency from out-of-home care: The importance of systems and implications for assessing institutional accountability," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2263-2272.
    5. Osborne, Cynthia & Warner-Doe, Hilary & Lawson, Jennifer, 2019. "Who gets a CASA? Selective characteristics of children appointed a CASA advocate," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 65-71.
    6. Miller, J. Jay & Duron, Jacquelynn F. & Donohue-Dioh, Jessica & Geiger, Jennifer M., 2018. "Conceptualizing effective legal representation for Foster youth: A group concept mapping study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 271-278.
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    Cited by:

    1. Haarberg, Frøydis Lønborg, 2024. "What do we know about children’s representation in child protection decisions? A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    2. Ryan Cooper & Joseph Doyle & Andres Hojman, 2023. "Legal aid in child welfare: Evidence from a randomized trial of Mi Abogado," POID Working Papers 077, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.

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