SERVICES

Custody Advocacy Program

We represent the child. Not the adult.

Research has shown that children who are exposed to violence within the home have much higher incidences of aggressive and oppositional behaviors than their peers from nonviolent homes. Exposure to domestic violence during childhood correlates to problems throughout adulthood including higher levels of depression, increased tolerance for violence in adult relationships and poor conflict resolution skills. 

Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina provides a voice for vulnerable children in court proceedings and advocates for their best interests including safe placement and counseling in CH 50B Civil Domestic Violence cases (DVPO) and CH 50 High Conflict Custody cases. CLC staff attorneys serve as Guardians ad Litem (GAL) on appointment by the District Court Judge in Forsyth and Guilford County. The GAL is responsible for investigating all aspects of the case and making recommendations regarding custody and/or visitation, services including mental health treatment for the child and/or parents, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, and educational assistance. The Judge makes the final decision in the case, including whether or not to accept the GAL's recommendations. 

Role of the Attorney

In Every Case We Strive to Ensure:

  • The judge is provided with a through, unbiased picture of the child’s circumstance.

  • The child is heard and their best interests and critical needs are addressed.

Who We Speak with During Our Investigation:

  • Children’s Parents

  • Teachers & Coaches

  • Health Professionals

  • Social Workers

  • Law Enforcement

  • Friends & Family

  • Daycare Workers

We Advocate for:

  • Safe placement

  • Wellbeing of the children

  • Visitation

  • Mental health treatment

  • Parenting classes

  • Substance abuse treatment

  • Educational assistance

Wake Forest School of Law studied the efficacy of the Children’s Law Center's work. The study examined past civil domestic violence cases and found that the appointment of a Children’s Law Center attorney significantly reduced subsequent instances of family violence within the home. The earlier CLC is appointed to a civil domestic violence case the better the outcome is for the child(ren) involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you truly believe that your child is in danger, you should immediately contact Child Protective Services (CPS) at the Department of Social Services (DSS) in your county and/or law enforcement. 

  • No, the CLC cannot act on behalf of adults. We represent the best interests of children from 0-18. You will need to find an attorney to act in your interest.

  • While we cannot offer advice or act on behalf of an adult, the CLC may become involved on the child's behalf in a contested Chapter 50 custody case in three ways:

    1
    At the discretion of the District Court judge. Judges in Forsyth County often appoint the CLC as a Guardian ad Litem when issues of concern are raised in court.

    2
    One of the parties in the case may file a motion to have the CLC appointed as Guardian ad Litem. The CLC cannot file this motion. You or your attorney should file the motion with the court.

    3
    With the consent of both parties. If both parties in the case agree that a Guardian ad Litem would be useful in determining custody and visitation, they may request that the CLC be appointed to the case.

  • We accept all judicial appointments regardless of a client's ability to pay. There are no fees for Chapter 50B domestic violence cases. A sliding scale fee plan is available for high conflict custody cases and education issues. The Court does not compensate CLC for its work. Generous donors and grants make it possible for us to represent children who need our help.

  • A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) acts as an extra set of impartial eyes and ears for District Court judges.

    GALs thoroughly investigate home and school environments. They interview the child, parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, medical personnel and other witnesses as they gather the necessary information to prepare unbiased reports for District Court judges. GALs represent the best interests of the child in all court proceedings.

    CLC's Guardians ad Litem include staff, local attorneys providing pro bono services, and student law interns.

Request CAP Services

Please complete the form below to receive information on how to have Children's Law Center appointed to your Domestic Violence Protective Order or high conflict custody case. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer attorney, please fill out the volunteer inquiry form.

If you wish to speak to someone directly, contact us at CAP@ChildLawNC.org or 336-831-1909.