CHILDREN AND YOUTH LAW PROJECT

SDVLP services for abused, neglected and abandoned children are offered through its Children and Youth Law Project. Working in collaboration with the County Department of Social Services, the Probate Court, Probate Examiner's Office, the Juvenile Court, the Public Defender Dependency Offices, and public and private agencies, volunteers provide representation to children in guardianship actions, immigration law matters, and in special education cases.
 

Guardianship Clinic Program

In cooperation with the Probate Court and Probate Examiner's Office, SDVLP operates weekly clinics to assist responsible adults who are residents of San Diego County in obtaining guardianship of children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned by their parent(s). Appointments are not necessary and applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements and be residents of San Diego County.

Immigration Law Services for Children

SDVLP provides direct representation to children in foster home care or other out-of-home care who are eligible for legal resident status under the Special Immigrant Status (SIS) provisions of the immigration statutes. Applicants for service should contact SDVLP at (619)235-5656, extension 121.
 

Special Education Advocacy Project

Operated in coordination with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, this project offers legal advice clinics and training programs to assist foster parents, systems advocates, and care givers in obtaining Individualized Educational Programs for special needs foster children. Applicants for service should contact SDVLP at (619)235-5656, extension 123.

Foster Youth Advocacy Project

The Foster Youth Advocacy Project provides healthcare advocacy services to children in long term foster care. This project is a partnership of SDVLP, Voices for Children and the Office of the Public Defender, to ensure that dependent children receive access to healthcare services that they need and to which they are entitled. Initial healthcare assessments are conducted by Voices for Children. Cases requiring more extensive advocacy services or ongoing representation are referred to SDVLP, which will work to address these issues in coordination with the Public Defender=s Office. For more information, please call (619) 235-5656, extension 113.