The Office of Law Guardian (OLG), a unit within the Office of the Public Defender, provides legal representation to children in family court matters involving allegations of abuse and neglect against parents or other caregivers, or in cases involving termination of parental rights.

In child welfare cases in New Jersey, children have rights separate and distinct from those of their parents. One important right a child has is the right to have an attorney, known as a law guardian, represent the child in court, present the child’s wishes to the judge and protect the child’s legal interests throughout the legal proceeding. A law guardian maintains a traditional lawyer-client relationship with the child to the extent possible.

The law guardian helps the child-client understand the child’s legal rights and the court process and keeps the child informed as the case progresses through the child welfare system. The law guardian will counsel the child and give legal advice about the most realistic course of action to protect the child’s safety and to advance the child’s wishes and interests. The special training and expertise of law guardians help the child participate fully in court hearings.

Each law guardian works as a part of a team of professionals on behalf of the children OLG represents. This team includes specially trained investigators and clerical staff. Investigators take an active role in meeting the child to discover the relevant facts of the case necessary to developing a position on behalf of the child-client.

Similar to the confidential relationship between attorneys and the clients in other types of matters, the law guardian attorney and investigator enjoy a confidential relationship with the child-client. In order to protect the confidentiality of this relationship, the law guardian attorney and investigator may ask to meet privately with the child-client either at home or at school.

The investigator may also need to interview other people involved in the child’s life to gain facts about the case and to help further the child’s position. It is important that the investigator be provided with accurate information that will allow the child’s lawyer to develop the best legal position for the child.

OLG has a separate appellate unit (OLGA) responsible for handling appellate matters. Currently, OLGA has seven appellate attorneys representing the interests and wishes of minor clients before both the Appellate Division and the New Jersey Supreme Court.

The OLG also undertakes DYFS conflict investigations when allegations of abuse are made against DYFS staff or members of their families. The “Conflict Unit” within OLG is comprised of a team of highly skilled investigators who work exclusively on conducting investigations of such allegations.

OLG Resources and Offices
OLG has staff attorneys throughout the state assigned to represent children in child welfare matters. Currently, OLG has seven trial regions comprised of thirteen (13) offices throughout the state.

Community Services	Legal / Advocacy Legal Assistance
Health Services	Crisis / Safety Child Abuse / Neglect
Language Spoken	Spanish

Last Updated: 05/11/24