CustodyMate: What does the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) do in child protection cases?

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Ontario, Canada Advice

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The OCL has lawyers across Ontario who can represent children and youth in child protection cases in court. They can also help with related matters, such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), complaints about services received from a CAS, and adoption and openness cases.

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The OCL lawyer’s role is to independently represent the views and interests of the youth. The lawyer provides information to the youth about the legal process, gives legal advice about the options that are available, and advocates for the youth in court and other processes, such as in ADR or hearings before the Child and Family Services Review Board.

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The OCL also provides lawyers for parents who are under 18 years old.

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Anyone involved in a child protection court case can ask the judge to appoint a Children’s Lawyer.

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You can contact the OCL by calling (416) 314-8000 or at: http://www.ontario.ca/ccnw.

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Imad Lodhi

November 19, 2022

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Imad Lodhi

Sales & Delivery Transformation Executive focused on the management systems, mindsets and behaviours that turn strategy into measurable outcomes.

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