A Judge’s Guide

Project, and the Director and Advisory Committee prepared a Project Plan and began to
implement its action items.
II. Project mission and goals
Mission: The mission of the Project was to enhance and expand the delivery of legal
services to children involved in divorce, adoption, guardianship, unmarried parent, and
civil protective order matters; to design, implement, enhance and support programs and
policies fostering children's well-being in custody cases; to provide children meaningful
participation in the process; and to continue to serve as a critical national resource in the
important area of child custody.
Goals:
I. A demonstrable increase in the number of pro bono child custody projects and
opportunities, and a corresponding increase in the number of pro bono attorneys
and children served.
II. Higher quality representation to children in child custody matters.
III. Implementation of innovative delivery strategies designed to expand legal
services access for children involved in child custody matters.
IV. Children and parents who are better educated and informed about custody
proceedings, results, and impacts.
V. Heightened judicial sensitivity and knowledge in making decisions regarding
children's custody.
VI. Improved relationships between pro bono child custody attorneys and non-lawyer
children's advocates, including doctors, psychologists, social workers, and
teachers.
VII. Greater support and participation in legislation impacting child custody matters.
VIII. Improved coordination and communication among groups working at a national
level on the complex issues involved in child custody.
III. Project Accomplishments
The Child Custody and Adoption Pro Bono Project’s activities have increased
both the quantity and quality of representation for children in private custody cases.
Following are the major accomplishments of the Project.
Training Series
The Project developed a multi-disciplinary training series for staff and pro bono
attorneys representing children in custody cases. The series covers the following topics:
Introduction; Case Development; Cultural Competence; Ethical Considerations; Child
Development; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Hearing the Child’s Voice; Mental Health
Experts, Tests and Services; Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse; and Domestic
Violence. An extensive manual accompanies a videotape and DVD on each topic. The
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