The following is a non-exhaustive list of resources for juvenile dependency and delinquency practitioners.
American Bar Association: The ABA Center on Children and the Law endeavors to promote access to justice for children, parents, and families by improving legal representation, as well as improving legal systems that affect children and families. The Center also publishes Child Law Practice Today, a publication that offers legal professionals and practitioners information to improve advocacy for children and families involved in the legal system.
The Gault Center Trial Manual: The Gault Center aims to promote justice for youth by enhancing the skill of the juvenile defense bar. The Center’s Trial Manual serves as a guide for defense attorneys for youth in delinquency cases.
Indian Child Welfare Act: ICWA was enacted to promote security of Indian children and stability of Indian tribes by establishing consistent standards for the removal and placement of Indian children.
Juvenile Court Improvement Program:
- Model Forms: JCIP model forms approved by a forms committee and are available for use in dependency and delinquency cases throughout the state.
- Benchbook & Benchcards: JCIP offers a juvenile dependency reference guide, as well as an Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act (ORICWA) guide, in addition to resource cards for various hearing types and courtroom issues.
National Indian Child Welfare Association: NICWA is an Oregon-based nonprofit that offers support to American Indian and Alaska Native children, making efforts to keep Indian children connected to their family, community, and culture.
National Indian Law Library: The National Indian Law Library of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is a library of resources dedicated to federal Indian and tribal law.
ODHS Child Welfare Procedure Manual: This manual provides guidance for ODHS Child Welfare professionals.
Oregon Administrative Rules: OAR Chapter 413 is the primary resource for rules and regulations for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Programs.
Oregon Appellate Decisions: Oregon’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeals regularly review and issue opinions in juvenile cases. Links to the Courts’ websites and Precedential Opinions and Nonprecedential Memorandum Opinions can be found on the Oregon Judicial Department website.
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association: OCDLA aims to support defense practitioners by providing resources, training programs, and education for criminal and juvenile defense lawyers in Oregon.
Oregon Revised Statutes: Oregon’s Juvenile code consists of ORS Chapters 419A, 419B, and 419C, covering general provisions, dependency, and delinquency statutes.
Oregon State Bar: The Oregon State Bar Board of Governors has approved Standards for Counsel in juvenile delinquency and dependency cases. The standards for representation in delinquency and dependency cases, as well as for child welfare agencies, can be found on the Bar’s website.
Youth, Rights & Justice: Youth, Rights & Justice is an Oregon-based nonprofit law firm dedicated exclusively to the representation of parents, children, and youth in dependency and delinquency cases. The organization also offers practitioner resources, including their Juvenile Law Reader.