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Each child is represented by their own attorney, who builds a trusting relationship, listens closely, and advocates for the child’s preferences in court—just as they would for any adult client.

Our attorneys receive specialized training in child development, relationship-building, and communicating with children (link to training page), equipping them to understand and convey each child’s perspective effectively. Judges appoint Child Advocate Attorneys in cases where a child’s voice might otherwise be missed, and we are using data from this program to evaluate its impact and refine best practices. By centering children’s voices, the program supports more informed, stable resolutions that benefit the entire family. Visit this page for more information about the pilot program research study.

This work is made possible by a dedicated network of attorneys committed to child-centered representation. In Maryland, a select group of attorneys who have completed Child’s Voice Project’s specialized training are serving as Child Advocate Attorneys through the pilot program, bringing both deep legal expertise and the skills to build trust with children. We are proud to partner with attorneys from Williams, McClernan & Stack, Delaney Stafford, and Fanning Law, whose commitment is helping bring this model to life in Maryland family courts.