Tulsa Lawyers for Children, Inc.

Tulsa Lawyers for Children, Inc. (TLC) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to providing pro bono legal representation to abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Tulsa County, Oklahoma. The organization serves children who are wards of the court and in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).

Mission

The mission of Tulsa Lawyers for Children is to ensure effective and zealous legal representation for these vulnerable children by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer attorneys. TLC focuses on cases involving deprived or delinquency actions in juvenile court, with attorneys being appointed by the court to represent these children.

Programs and Services

TLC offers legal representation specifically in the areas of family and juvenile law. The organization provides opportunities for law students, lawyers, and paralegals to engage in pro bono work, with a focus on serving children's best interests. To enhance service delivery, TLC also recognizes the need for non-English language services, particularly for Russian and Spanish-speaking populations.

Volunteer Program

To volunteer with TLC, individuals must meet specific criteria, such as being a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association in good standing and demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of TLC clients. Volunteer attorneys are expected to undergo training, including completing relevant Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses before accepting cases. Malpractice insurance is provided for eligible volunteers. Volunteers are required to maintain legal and ethical integrity and avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise their representation.

Training and Support

TLC provides training to ensure that volunteers have a basic working knowledge of relevant statutes like Title 10A, which governs child welfare procedures in Oklahoma. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in additional training opportunities as they become available. Experienced staff members are available for guidance and support when complex legal situations arise.

Governance and Structure

TLC operates as an Oklahoma not-for-profit corporation and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the IRS. The organization's legal framework ensures that it can effectively manage its mission to protect and advocate for the legal rights of vulnerable children in Tulsa County.

Impact

TLC's work is crucial in ensuring that abused and neglected children receive the legal representation they need to navigate the complexities of the juvenile court system. By providing pro bono services, TLC helps to safeguard the welfare and well-being of these children, often during the most challenging times in their lives.