NCJ Number
68244
Date Published
Unknown
Length
54 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT DESCRIBES THE SECOND YEAR OF ACTIVITIES OF THE CHILD ADVOCACY UNIT ESTABLISHED BY THE DEFENDER ASSOCIATION OF PHILADELPHIA.
Abstract
THE UNIT IS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT CHILDREN IN ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES, DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES, ADOPTIONS, AND IN ADULT COURT WHERE CHILDREN ARE CRIME VICTIMS. DURING THE YEAR 1977-78 THE UNIT HANDLED ALMOST 3,000 CASES, A 41 PERCENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE UNIT HAS BECOME AN ACCEPTED AND APPROVED LEGAL PRACTICE IN PHILADELPHIA FAMILY COURT. DURING THE UNIT'S SECOND YEAR IT CONTRACTED WITH THE COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH OFFICE TO REPRESENT CHILDREN IN MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENT PROCEEDING, DEVISED STANDARDS FOR HANDLING BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT CASES, AND ARRANGED FOR CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS. DURING THE SECOND YEAR THE UNIT STAFF CONCLUDED THAT THE UNIT IS NOT A LEGAL UNIT SUPPORTED BY OTHER DISCIPLINES, BUT A MULTIDISCIPLINARY UNIT WHOSE CASES REPRESENT A CONSENSUS OF ALL DISCIPLINES (LAW, SOCIAL SERVICE, PSYCHOLOGY, PSYCHIATRY, AND INVESTIGATION) NECESSARY TO SERVE THE LEGAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND BEST INTERESTS OF CHILDREN. THE UNIT'S FIRST PRIORITY IS THE CHILD'S SAFETY. NEXT IN IMPORTANCE ARE STABILIZING THE FAMILY UNIT, PROVIDING A STABLE PLACEMENT FOR THE CHILD IF FAMILY STABILIZATION IS NOT POSSIBLE, AND MONITORING THE CHILD'S NEEDS. FUNDING REMAINS A PROBLEM, BUT THE CITY IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROVIDING LEGAL SERVICES TO CHILDREN. EXTENSIVE TABLES PRESENTING TOTAL CASES, CLIENTS' AGES, TYPES OF CASES, SEX, RACE, TYPES OF HEARINGS, CASE DISPOSITIONS AND PHOTOCOPIES OF LETTERS COMMENTING ON THE UNIT ARE INCLUDED. FOR THE UNIT'S THIRD ANNUAL REPORT, SEE NCJ 68243.