Derelle Watson-Duvall Children’s Law Center of Indiana (CLCI)
The Derelle Watson-Duvall Children’s Law Center of Indiana (CLCI) is an integral part of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems within Indiana. We have attorneys on staff who will answer questions regarding case law, statutes and specific issues. We also conduct in-depth professional training, educational and technical assistance in a number of key areas which include:
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Education and Training Kids' Voice develops education and training curriculum in Adoption, CASA/GAL, Children in Need of Services, Delinquency, Guardianship/Third Party Custody, Paternity Establishment, Special Education, and Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship. While limited on-site training is available, online information is available in these eight areas of children's law.
The CHINS Deskbook (2001) Kids' Voice publishes a comprehensive reference guide called the CHINS (Children in Need of Services) Deskbook. The CHINS Deskbook is designed exclusively for attorneys, judges and social service professionals. This publication is a highly valuable resource that provides statutes and case law in the areas of CHINS, Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship, Guardianship/Third Party Custody, Adoption, Paternity, and CASA/GAL. A copy of the publication can be viewed here.
Technical Assistance and Resources Our resources include Indiana Law FAQs, case law updates, and Web page articles.
Best Practices and Policy Recommendations With over 20 years of experience and legal expertise, Kids' Voice brings a wealth of knowledge, statewide reputation, and a network of collaborations and partnerships to any project or issue we tackle.
Bette J. Dick GAL for Kids
Guardian ad Litem
Now at-risk kids have a voice in court. Bette J. Dick GAL for Kids is an important Kids' Voice program that provides court ordered representation in the best interest of abused, neglected and at-risk children. Bette J. Dick GAL for Kids recruits and trains lay volunteers and attorneys to represent childrens' best interest by court appointment in dissolution, guardianship, adoption and other civil court cases.
Volunteers complete a special training program enabling them to conduct in-home visits and investigations. They will meet with children, parents, family members, caretakers, therapists and teachers, and will prepare a detailed report for the court. A GAL's independent recommendations concentrate solely on the child's needs and concerns. Upon court order, a GAL monitors the family's progress and compliance.
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This project is supported by Grant #05VA085 awarded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and made possible by Award #2005-VA-GX-0038 awarded by the office of Justice Programs.
Supervised Parent-Child Visitation Program (PCV) Kids' Voice Supervised Parent-Child Visitation program is designed to provide safe and supervised on-site visitation for the child and non-custodial parent. Kids' Voice schedules and coordinates visitations at Kids' Voice offices in the Indianapolis area in comfortable rooms specially designed with sofas, toys and games.
Custodial and non-custodial parents do not meet at any time during the visit and leave serrate at different times. In order to be alert to the child's total safety, intake interviews with each parent are conducted prior to visitations and documented rules are presented. Visitation staff is trained to prioritize children's safety and enforce rules that provide a total child-oriented environment. A neutral visitation site and close supervision further minimize the risk of domestic disturbances. Children are under constant observation by Kids' Voice staff. Program staff document each telephone contact, and visit observations which are made available to the courts legal request, but do not make recommendations to the court regarding visitation modification.
2010 GAL Training Schedule Feb. 17 – March 17
June 2 – June 30
Sept. 1- Sept. 29
Wednesday Nights from
5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Light supper provided. View a PDF of the Application
Help represent the best interests of vulnerable children. If you have interest in becoming a GAL, contact Pat Jannette at:pjannette@kidsvoicein.org
