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Child Welfare Law Certification

The National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) works to improve the quality of legal representation of children in dependency, delinquency, and family law cases by certifying family law attorneys as Child Welfare Law Specialists.

About Us

The National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) is committed to setting and upholding standards for professionals, including attorneys, who advocate for the legal rights and well-being of children and families in the child welfare system. The NACC also serves as an accreditation agency, offering certification for attorneys as Child Welfare Law Specialists (CWLS). This certification establishes a benchmark for expertise, ensuring that attorneys possess the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of child welfare law.

Child welfare law involves intricate legal issues that require careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of family dynamics, juvenile justice, and public policy. In addition to certifying attorneys, the NACC provides ongoing education to ensure certified professionals stay informed about the latest developments in law and best practices.

The NACC also functions as a national network, connecting child welfare professionals through its membership and affiliate programs. These programs provide educational resources, advocacy tools, and networking opportunities to support professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.

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People

NACC Child Welfare Law Specialists Active on Lawyer Legion

Patricia Ketch Buonodono
Meriwether & Tharp LLC
Woodstock, GA
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Charles P Farrar
Charles P. Farrar PLLC
Waterford, MI
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William B Connolly
Connolly & Shireman LLP
Houston, TX
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More About the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC)

Requirements to Become a Child Welfare Law Specialist

The requirements to become a Child Welfare Law Specialist are available to attorneys who represent children, parents, and agencies in child abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. Requirements for the program include:

  • The attorney has practiced law for more than three years;
  • The attorney has devoted 30% or more of his practice to child welfare law for each of the last three years;
  • The attorney has completed at least 36 hours of CLE courses in the field of child welfare law; and
  • The attorney must provide a writing sample showing legal analysis in the field of child welfare law such as a brief, memorandum of law, or article.

The NACC Certification Program

The NACC certification program is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). NACC's certification program has been endorsed by the Conference of Chief Justices/Conference of State Court Administrators (CCJ/COSCA) and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ).

The NACC's Child Welfare Law Certification is available to attorneys who serve as a representative in child protection proceedings as:

  • Guardian ad Litem;
  • Law Guardian;
  • Attorney ad Litem;
  • Parent's Attorney;
  • Government Attorney;
  • Agency Attorney; or
  • Department Attorney.

The specialization area as approved by the ABA is defined as "the practice of law representing children, parents or the government in all child protection proceedings including emergency, temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, foster care, permanency planning, termination, guardianship, and adoption."

In most states, only board-certified child welfare lawyers may advertise as specialists in that area of the law.


Other Child Welfare Certification by Other Organizations

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