Children's Rights Society

- 7 Coates Dr, Goshen, NY 10924

Navigating the complexities of the New York State Family Court system can be a daunting experience, particularly when the well-being of a child is at the center of the matter. For parents and guardians in the New York region, understanding the role of legal organizations that specialize in children’s rights is crucial. The Children's Rights Society, located in Goshen, NY, is a legal services agency that has a stated mission to represent children in Orange County Family Court. This article aims to provide an objective, informative overview of the organization, its services, and its place within the broader legal landscape of New York.

The New York State court system, including its Family Courts, is designed to handle a wide array of cases involving families and children, such as custody, visitation, and child support. The Children's Rights Society operates as an assigned attorney for the child in these court settings. It’s important to understand that the role of an attorney for the child, also known as a law guardian, is to act as a legal advocate for the child's position, ensuring their voice and perspective are represented in court proceedings. This is different from the role of a guardian ad litem, who forms their own judgment about what is in the child's best interest. The purpose of an attorney for the child is to give the child a meaningful voice and help the court understand their point of view.

The legal landscape for children's issues in New York is supported by numerous organizations. For example, the American Bar Association lists a number of legal aid societies and non-profits across the state that provide services ranging from education advocacy to representation in abuse and neglect cases. These organizations are an essential part of the system, helping to ensure that even the most vulnerable members of society have access to legal representation.

Location and Accessibility

The Children's Rights Society is situated at 7 Coates Dr, Goshen, NY 10924, USA. The location is in Orange County, New York, serving a community with a population of over 384,000 residents. The office is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, making it accessible to all visitors. The firm operates on an appointment-based system, with appointments required or recommended to ensure that staff are available to meet with clients and provide dedicated time for each case. This planning helps manage the flow of cases and ensures that legal professionals are prepared for each consultation.

Services Offered

As a legal services agency for children, the Children's Rights Society is assigned by the Orange County Family Court to represent children in various matters. Their services focus on providing legal assistance and advocacy for children and their families in some of the most sensitive and critical areas of law.

• Child Support: Assisting in cases related to the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders, which are designed to ensure a child's financial needs are met. According to New York State law, the amount of child support is calculated based on a formula that considers both parents' income and the number of children involved.

• Custody and Visitation: Representing children in cases concerning who will have legal and residential custody, as well as the schedule for visitation. New York courts determine these arrangements based on the "best interest of the child" standard, which considers factors such as the child's wishes, the parents' ability to provide for the child, and a history of domestic violence, if any.

• Education Law and Special Education: Providing legal assistance and advocacy for children and low-income families in Orange and Sullivan Counties through their Project SPEAK program. This includes helping with special education services, attending Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, and addressing other educational rights to ensure children receive the services they need to succeed in school.

• General Legal Services: The organization handles a variety of other legal matters for children, including cases of abuse, neglect, juvenile delinquency, and guardianship, all by assignment from the court. The mission is to ensure that children have legal representation in these court-assigned cases.

Features and Highlights

• Specialized Focus on Children's Legal Rights: The organization's primary purpose is to serve as an attorney for children. This specialization means they are uniquely focused on the legal issues and challenges facing children within the New York Family Court system.

• Non-Profit Legal Service: As a legal services agency, the Children's Rights Society provides representation without regard to income, which is a critical feature for families in need who may not have the financial means to hire a private attorney. This type of organization is a key component of the legal safety net in New York State.

• Community Integration: The Children's Rights Society works closely with the Orange County Family Court, and their Project SPEAK program serves not only Orange County but also Sullivan County, demonstrating a commitment to serving a broader community in the Hudson Valley region. This local focus helps them be more responsive to the specific needs of the communities they serve.

Contact Information

To learn more about the Children's Rights Society or to reach out for assistance, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 7 Coates Dr, Goshen, NY 10924, USA

Phone: (845) 291-2670

What is Worth Choosing this Organization?

The Children's Rights Society is a court-assigned organization with a specific role in the New York Family Court system. Unlike a private law firm that a client would hire directly, this organization provides legal services to children when appointed by the court. For individuals in Orange County who are involved in Family Court cases, the Children’s Rights Society may be assigned to represent their child’s interests.

The value of such an organization lies in its dedicated focus on children's legal needs, its accessibility, and its role in ensuring that every child has an advocate in court proceedings that will directly affect their life. In the complex legal environment of New York, having an attorney whose singular focus is on the child's voice and perspective is an essential part of the family court process. While public commentary may reflect individual experiences with the court system, the organization's professional purpose is to fulfill its court-assigned role as an attorney for the child.

Children's Rights Society

7 Coates Dr, Goshen, NY 10924, USA