Family Representation

In some circumstances, Texas law requires courts to appoint attorneys to children and parents in child protection cases filed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Texas counties are required to report data about representation of children and parents in child protection cases to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC).

A Call for Experienced Attorneys and Attorneys New to the Practice of Child Welfare Law

Deadline: July 8, 2024

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission is pleased to introduce the 2024 Family Protection Representation Mentorship Program, a one-year project designed to improve representation and support child welfare law practitioners. This call for applications is for both prospective mentors and mentees.

Over a period of one year, attorneys with at least 5 years of experience handling appointments in child welfare cases will assist an assigned mentee. Mentors will provide mentees guidance and will meet at least once a month, towards the goal of improving the quality of representation for indigent clients and creating community for attorneys new to child welfare appointments. Participants will receive quarterly remote training sessions in areas relevant to the practice of child welfare law.

The mentorships are intended for attorneys who have only recently begun accepting appointments in child welfare.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Mentor applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Texas, with at least 5 years accepting appointments in child welfare cases representing parents and/or children;
2. Mentor applicants must have tried at least one jury or bench trial representing a parent or child; and
3. Mentor applicants must have completed at least one training program on trauma-informed care, prioritizing client-centered representation.
4. Mentee applicants must be licensed to practice law in the state of Texas and actively accepting appointments in child welfare cases in at least one Texas county.

Benefits & Opportunities

The TIDC Mentorship Program offers several benefits and opportunities for both mentees and mentors, including:

1. Mentees will have access to experienced mentors who can guide and support them in achieving their professional goals.
2. Mentees will receive quarterly training and workshops in areas relevant to their interests and the practice.
3. Mentees will have the opportunity to network with other mentors and mentees and collaborate on issues relevant to their practice.
4. Mentors will have the opportunity to contribute to raising the bar of representation in child welfare law, creating a community of likeminded advocates and leaders in the field of practice.
5. Mentors will have the opportunity to share their expertise and experience with attorneys new to the practice and contribute to their development.