Child Advocate Attorney Pilot Program.
In 2025, CVP launched a first-of-its-kind program in Maryland to provide free, client-directed legal representation to children in family court.
CVP recruits highly qualified attorneys, trains them in our child-centered, client-directed model of representation, and provides ongoing management to ensure fidelity to our approach. Our goal is better outcomes for children and families — while serving as a model for other jurisdictions to adopt.
Specialized training
Our attorneys complete 26 hours of training (6 initial + 20 continuing) covering child-centeredness, child development, trauma-informed practice, and effective relationship-building and communication with children.
Court appointment
A judge assigns a CVP Child Advocate Attorney in a case where a child’s voice might otherwise be missed.
Full representation
The attorney advocates for the child’s stated preferences until a final court order is entered.
Centering the child’s voice works.
Operating since May 2025 across two Maryland jurisdictions, CVP is leading the most comprehensive evaluation of child advocate attorneys in family court to date — essential for making this a model standard and for securing the policy change and philanthropic investment that make expansion possible.
Connect with the Child’s Voice Project
Have a question, want to volunteer, or hope to bring child-centered representation to your court? We’d love to hear from you.
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