Child Welfare Legal Services attorneys represent the Department of Children and Families (DCF) at each stage of dependency proceedings. We examined four options for providing this service: contracting with other government entities, for-profit law firms, and not-for-profit entities, and retaining the service within DCF.
We concluded that there are two feasible options-contracting with private law firms and retaining the function within DCF. Transferring the responsibility to state attorneys or the Attorney General is not feasible because they do not wish to expand their involvement in the function. Contracting with lead agencies is not feasible as it would create potential conflicts of interest.
Contracting with private law firms would have uncertain cost impacts. If the service is retained within DCF, the department should take steps to improve staff professional development and accountability. The department also should adopt best practices to improve the services regardless of how they are provided. The Legislature also should consider clarifying whose interests are represented by CWLS attorneys in dependency proceedings.

Progress Report: Child Welfare Legal Services Makes Some Improvements, But Other Changes Needed
Report 05-47 September 2005

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.