Family Defense Program Manager at Office of State Public Defender
OSPD is a state agency created in 2011 through the merger of the Office of Capital Defense Counsel (est. 2001) and the Office of Indigent Appeals (est. 2007) which included the Defender Training Division (est. 2008). In 2016, HB 772, expanded the scope of OSPD responsibility to include representation of families in child welfare matters. The law created a procedure for appointment of lawyers to families facing abuse and neglect allegations and potential termination of parental rights in youth courts and on appeal. It also mandated training of these lawyers. OSPD is authorized to certify these lawyers meet training requirements and provides training and technical assistance in this area as it does for criminal and juvenile matters. The law also authorized OSPD to handle family representation in child welfare cases in youth court and on appeal. OSPD is partnering with counties, courts, legal service agencies and attorneys in private practice to provide this direct representation. Direct appeals of such cases have been handled by private contractors who specialize in this area of law. With the growth of the program and need to ensure families are receiving the services they deserve, and the taxpayers are receiving the best value for their investment OSPD established the position of Family Defense Program Manager. Jennifer Morgan began state service on June 1, 2021. The Program Manager is primarily responsible for: + Providing technical assistance to trial-level family defenders in Youth Court. A Family's Guide to Youth Courts Performance Standards for Family Defenders Performance Standards for Social Workers Certified Family Defender Directory 2024 Detailed Poverty Guidelines
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