October 30, 2020
VSB Young Lawyers Create Foster Care Resource Guide for Hampton Roads
The Young Lawyers Conference (YLC) of the Virginia State Bar has created a foster care resource guide to assist children and families involved in the foster care system in Hampton Roads.
The Children & the Law Commission of the YLC, chaired by Ra Hee Jeon, Bailey A. Michener, and Rebecca C. Lawrence, identified an urgent need in Hampton Roads and worked to compile a booklet that assists those struggling in the overburdened foster care system. All three chairs currently work as attorneys in Hampton Roads and regularly see the frustration that accompanies children and families involved in the foster care system, especially those children who become adults while in foster care.
Many fostered children are unfamiliar with the resources and services available to them. The commission, with the aid of volunteers, spent countless hours researching and collaborating to ultimately create a resource for Hampton Roads families and children involved in foster care.
This booklet is currently being distributed to local courts, agencies, clinics, law schools, and other places it may be of use. This is a valuable resource for attorneys who work with juveniles, practice in the area of family law, or provide general practice or pro bono services. The Children & The Law Commission encourages any who would want a copy or who would like to volunteer to assist in the foster care system to reach out to the current commission chairs at [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
The VSB Young Lawyers Conference allows new or young lawyers to network, engage, and interact while serving the public. The YLC promotes leadership and public improvement through its committees which focus on special projects throughout each year.