What kinds of legal issues do child advocates deal with?

Child advocates in Virginia are attorneys and other professionals who provide legal assistance and advice to children and youth. These advocates focus on protecting the best interests of their clients, by researching relevant laws and presenting legal arguments in court. The kinds of legal issues child advocates deal with may range from the right of a child to stay in school, or the right to be free from discrimination, to a situation where a teenager is charged with a crime. Child advocates may also become involved in disputes between parents and school districts or other agencies. A child advocate may also assist with custody disputes, or help obtain disability benefits. Because children do not have the same rights and responsibilities as adults, advocates play a key role in speaking up for them. For example, they may file lawsuits on behalf of a child who is facing discrimination, advocate for a child who needs special educational services, or argue that a child should not be placed in foster care. Additionally, child advocates may provide legal services to explain to a child’s family their rights and the legal options available to them. Overall, the legal issues addressed by child advocates in Virginia vary based on the needs of their clients. In general, they work to protect and promote the rights of children and youth in the legal system.

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What kinds of legal issues do child advocates deal with?

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