Appendix C to Chapter 6 Protocol for Communication Between New York City Administration of Children's Services and Provider Agency Caseworker and Attorneys Representing Children and Parents (2012)

• Library: Representing Parents in Child Welfare Cases: Advice and Guidance for Family Defenders (ABA) (2015 Ed.)

APPENDIX C TO CHAPTER 6 Protocol for Communication Between New York City Administration of Children's Services and Provider Agency Caseworker and Attorneys Representing Children and Parents (2012)

I. Introduction

A. It is the policy of Children's Services to encourage communication regarding families' and children's needs, the provision of individualized services, and optimal family visiting plans. Attorneys for parents and children can work with caseworkers to facilitate the sharing of information that will allow us to meet families' needs. This new protocol is intended to provide guidance to Children's Services Child Protection Specialists (CPS) and provider agency case planners to enhance communication with attorneys for parents and children.
B. It is anticipated that both CPS and provider agency case planners and parents' and children's attorneys will consistently keep the FCLS attorney apprised of their mutual discussions. CPS and case planners shall memorialize these conversations in Connections.

II. Who Represents Parents, Children, and Youth in Family Court?

A. In addition to the provider agency and CPS, there are likely to be many other players involved in the family's case. These players include the Family Court Legal Services (FCLS) attorney, the provider agency attorney, the parent's attorney, and the attorney for the child.
B. If the parent has an attorney, he or she may be court-appointed (from the 18B panel), privately retained, or from an organization which provides legal assistance in Family Court, such as the Center for Family Representation, Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Family Defense Project, and others.
C. Every child who is

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