Chief judge reconvenes commission on parental representation Thursday

September 26, 2018 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The NYS Commission on Parental Legal Representation, appointed by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, will host its second public hearing in Manhattan today. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

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The NYS Commission on Parental Legal Representation will host its second public hearing in Manhattan on Thursday as it attempts to gather information on legal services and suggestions for reform.

The commission, appointed by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, is aimed at ensuring affordable parental legal representation New Yorkers. Financially-eligible parents have the right to financial assistance in cases involving child maltreatment, termination of parental rights, custody, visitation and domestic violence.

The commission is made up of judges, social service workers, legal service providers and state officials. Today’s panel includes Hon. Karen Peters, chair of the commission; Hon. Jeanette Ruiz; Hon. Gayle P. Roberts and NYU law professor Martin Guggenheim.

Specifically, the panel will look to discuss financial eligibility criteria, timing of access to assigned counsel, resources needed for effective representation, adequacy of current compensation for attorneys and non-attorney professionals and responsibility of the State vs. counties for funding mandated parental representation.

There will be other leaders from the legal community on hand today as presenters, including Lisa Schreibersdorf, executive director of Brooklyn Legal Services.

The hearing is at 10 a.m. at the Appellate Division, First Department in Manhattan. It will also be broadcast live online at www.NYCourts.gov.