Parents Representation Program

Getting Started

To access the OPD Parents Representation Program:

• You must be an indigent parent, custodian, or legal guardian involved in a child dependency and termination of parental rights proceeding.
• If counsel is not automatically assigned, ask the court how to request an attorney.

The counsel appointed to your case will be an OPD Parents Representation Program contract attorney.

Your Responsibilities

• Talk to your attorney 
  • Make an appointment to meet with your attorney in person.
  • Let your attorney know what you want. 
  • Provide your attorney with your contact information and let them know if it changes.
  • Check in frequently.
  • Ask your attorney what you can do to get the information the attorney needs to help you with your case.
• Services
  • Talk to your attorney about your court ordered services.
  • Participate in any court ordered services as soon as possible.
•  Hearings
  • Have a discussion with your attorney about any upcoming hearing prior to the hearing.
  • Make sure you attend the hearings.
  • If you are unable to attend a hearing for any reason, contact your attorney.
• Visitation
  • Ask your attorney to explain to you how to have successful visits with your child.
  • Make sure you attend the visits.
• Case Timeline
  • Review the case timeline with your attorney.