The TBA continues to share resources across communication platforms to help educate Tennessee lawyers about the state's system of indigent representation, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals' right to counsel is provided for. This article highlights the resources that are available for those who represent children in the court system.

Jan. 24, 2025

Guardians ad litem (GALs) and legal counsel for children play an essential role in the judicial system, particularly in family law cases involving minors. These attorneys, appointed to represent the best interests of children, frequently navigate emotionally charged cases, including custody disputes, child abuse and neglect proceedings and adoption cases. The dedicated legal professionals working in these areas, as well as those representing juveniles facing incarceration, benefit from specialized training and resources.

There are multiple national organizations focused on providing support for attorneys that represent children, guardians ad litem, and other professionals working to ensure that children's best interests are represented, including minors who have experienced abuse or neglect. These organizations provide education and training, research, best practices, advocacy and other resources to help these professionals effectively advocate for children.

Among the national organizations focused on attorneys and the legal community are the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC), the National CASA/GAL Association (Court Appointed Special Advocate), the ABA Center on Children and the Law and the National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NAJFCJ). Additionally, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) is a multidisciplinary organization of professionals, including attorneys, working with children who have experienced abuse or neglect. While each organization has a distinct mission, they are all working to ensure that children’s rights are protected in the legal system. Learn more about each of these organizations below and on their websites.

Learn More

• National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC): Focuses on child welfare law, offering training, certifications and advocacy for children’s legal rights.
• National CASA/GAL Association (Court Appointed Special Advocates): Trains volunteers (CASAs) who advocate for children in foster care, working alongside GALs to ensure children's best interests are represented in court.
• ABA Center on Children and the Law: Provides resources, research, and policy advocacy to improve legal practices for children.
• National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NAJFCJ): Focuses on improving juvenile and family court processes through training, policy advocacy and publications.
• National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ) is the research division of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
• American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC): Specializes in child abuse cases, offering certification and training for professionals involved in these sensitive matters.

Get Involved

The TBA is looking for your input! Share your questions or topics that you would like to hear about in this series. There are several ways to connect with TBA to share your questions or experiences with indigent representation. Attorneys interested in learning more about TBA's grassroots advocacy efforts can sign up for TBA Grassroots Advocacy Updates, which will highlight related policy content across all of TBA's communication platforms. Attorneys with experience working with clients who are indigent or vulnerable, should complete this survey, which includes specific questions about court appointed representation. Looking for more information? Check out our Indigent Representation Resource page.

This information is offered as a service to the public and the legal community. Statements or opinions expressed by any of the companies or organizations cited do not necessarily reflect those of the Tennessee Bar Association, its officers, board or staff. The TBA does not directly or impliedly endorse, support or vouch for the authenticity of any representations made.