Almost every day in Canton, Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Entire State of Georgia we hear of a child abuse case, child neglect case, or a child’s death. At the same time, we hear about a sluggish economy and that even highly skilled professionals with advanced education and degrees such as Attorneys can’t get jobs. Well, I have a job for every Attorney who is willing to work, and both offer training and both are desperately needed in our society: Guardian Ad Litems (Attorneys for Children) and Child Welfare Attorneys. I have served as a Guardian Ad Litem in many cases and I have found this to be some of the most rewarding work that I have done in my almost 20 years of practicing law.
As a result, I am initiating a Call to Action to Attorneys, especially those of you out of law school still looking for work and want to get your hands on cases that really make a difference. And, yes, if you are court appointed, which you will be when you complete the necessary training, you will get paid, and, there is no doubt, that you will make a difference.
If you need further encouragement, I invite you to read these two (2) recent news articles. One article is from the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) dated Sunday, December 29, 2013, titled Neglected in Life, unnoticed in Death. The other article is from the Cherokee Tribune dated January 3, 2014 titled, No easy answers to keep children safe. Both of these articles are compelling and for those of you interested in this type of work, there is no better time than the present to get involved.
To train for both of these legal positions, you can visit The Office of the Child Advocate for Guardian Ad Litem training Information , and The Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) for Child Welfare Training Information.
The Georgia State Bar has also created a special section titled the State Bar of Georgia Child Protection and Advocacy Section . You can join this section for a small fee as well.
Children are our future. There is no reason that our children in Georgia should be subjected to abuse, neglect, or death at the hands of anyone whether it be family, friends, abusive school personnel, inadequate child care centers, acquaintances, or strangers. We need to protect our children and I encourage all of you to get involved.
If you or a loved one, or if you know of a child that has been a victim, or is currently a victim, of child abuse or neglect, then please reach out to these agencies for assistance. You may also Contact Us by any or all of the following means by phone at (770) 865-8654, and (813) 363-6664, by email at juliericelaw@outlook.com, or Contact Us on our website, and we will try to connect you to the proper agencies for further assistance. We are here to assist you and protect our children. No child should suffer; never!