OKLAHOMA LAWYERS FOR CHILDREN
TRAINING FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

Oklahoma Lawyers for Children was co-founded in 1997 by D. Kent Meyers and Don R. Nicholson II, both of whom are attorneys in private practice in Oklahoma City to assist the overburdened public defenders in representing deprived children. These children have been removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse by their parent(s) and/or caretaker. Currently OLFC has more than 400 volunteer attorneys, over 180 non-attorney volunteers, as well as legal assistants, mediators, court reporters, private investigators, legal graphic and copy companies, who donate their time, talent, and resources to help abused and neglected children. To date, OLFC volunteers have represented more than 2,263 children in Oklahoma County. The Courts and DHS have recently asked OLFC to assist children in Canadian and Cleveland Counties also.

Volunteers will be trained to conduct Initial Kinship Assessments (home studies) on potential placements for abused and neglected children. The potential placements are usually relatives or those who have a close relationship with the child(ren). During a home assessment, OLFC volunteers go into the homes, complete the necessary paperwork, and submit evaluations to DHS Child Welfare as to the appropriateness of the family for placement of the child(ren). Volunteers usually conduct home assessments in pairs so spouses are encouraged to volunteer, or bring a friend to the training. Training will also focus on the skills involved in interviewing children at the Pauline Mayer Shelter in Oklahoma County, to gather information for the volunteer attorney representing the children at the Show Cause Hearing.

Volunteers will be certified by Oklahoma Lawyers for Children and the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare. You must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license, be able to pass a criminal background check, and be willing to help abused and neglected children.