Psychological Impact of Permanency for Children in Foster Care
By Ed Dimayuga and Stephanie Stewart
Permanency is the end goal of every dependency case that pro bono GALs works on. For Attorney Sherry Kern, this was the sole focus of her GAL case. Permanency has a great effect on the psychological well-being of children, according to Dr. Jacquelyn Olander, a neuropsychologist with Psychological Affiliates, Inc. in Winter Park. But the technical legal terms and statutory imperatives that matter to lawyers and courts do not matter to children. “Children don’t understand the concrete concept of a case closing down. Instead, they get a sense of security in knowing that ‘this is my home now and I am able to put down roots and don’t have to worry about moving to another home.’”
Neal J. Blaher, recieves the Judge JC ‘Jake’ Stone Award
Neal J. Blaher, May 27, 2010, as recipient of Legal Aid Society’s highest pro bono award, the Judge JC ‘Jake’ Stone Distinguished Service Award, gave the following remarks:
I cannot begin to say how truly humbled I am to have been chosen to receive this honor. Frankly, I am finding it difficult to be honored for doing what I feel duty-bound in this life to do—That is, to help others.
Legal Aid celebrates 50th year anniversary with its annual awards
In 2010, volunteer attorneys provided free legal services to more than 1100 new clients. They handled a variety of cases- bankruptcy, evictions, divorce, immigration, housing foreclosures, and guardianships. They served as a Guardian ad Litem for more than 1300 children. In addition to casework, volunteer attorneys provided services through 8 projects and helped with wills, taxes, Teen Court, alternative dispute resolution, teen parents and the homeless. Attorneys also contributed $400,000 through the in lieu of service contribution and almost $60,000 in cash contributions to the Breakfast of Champions.
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