Earlier this month, Temple University Beasley School of Law hosted a Child Advocacy Career Panel. The panel was created for current law students who share an interest in focusing their future career on advocating for students and juveniles. Attorney Katie Metcalfe joined Tiara Greene, Staff Attorney for the Juvenile Justice Center, and Paige Joki, Senior Attorney at ELC-PA in speaking on the panel. Together, they answered a series of questions ranging from their experience in advocacy, what drew them to their current path in this area of law, and what the day-to-day life of a child advocate attorney includes.
A pivotal point in the panel was when each speaker shared their personal reason for choosing to focus their career on child advocacy. Katie shared about her time at the public defender’s office. During her time at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Katie worked with juveniles of varying ages charged with various crimes. Having firsthand experience working with juveniles facing a range of criminal allegations and potential placement in delinquent or adult facilities, Katie began to think, what happens to children before reaching this point? How do students find themselves in these situations? What can be done to prevent this outcome and disrupt the school to prison pipeline?
This fueled Katie’s passion for student and child advocacy. It motivated her to begin attending IEP meetings for her young clients caught in the delinquency and dependency streams and advocate for the implementation of appropriate school-based academic and behavioral supportive services to help prevent students from reaching this point. It broadened her focus and grew her passion for helping students access quality education and services. Because she recognized that if students had better access to the tools and services they need to succeed while attending school, it could potentially have positive life-changing effects.
To find out more information about child advocacy please feel free to reach out to our team at 484.873.8010 or contact Cherkas Metcalfe Law for a free consultation.
Understanding the System
There are endless routes to be taken in advocating for children, students, and juveniles. Whether it is through non-profits such as the Juvenile Justice Center, the Education Law Center, the Support Center for Child Advocates or working directly with families like the Cherkas Metcalfe Law Team, we can all contribute to the mission.
Navigating Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system can be a daunting experience for families. The process often feels confusing and overwhelming, especially when trying to ensure that a child’s rights are fully protected. At Cherkas Metcalfe Law, our attorneys focus on juvenile justice and special education law across Pennsylvania. We provide families with the guidance and representation they need to advocate effectively for their child—ensuring access to the educational, behavioral, and supportive services available under state and federal law. With the support of a dedicated child advocacy attorney, families can take proactive steps toward securing the education, resources, and opportunities every child deserves.
If your child needs educational or legal support, our team is here to help. Contact Cherkas Metcalfe Law today at 484.873.8010 or fill out our contact form to speak with an attorney about your child’s educational rights and advocacy options.
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Advocacy and Education Law in Pennsylvania
What does a child advocacy lawyer do?
A child advocacy lawyer works to protect the rights and well-being of children and students. This includes advocating for access to appropriate education, ensuring compliance with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), representing children and supporting families involved in juvenile justice or dependency cases, and helping prevent children from entering the school-to-prison pipeline. At Cherkas Metcalfe Law, our attorneys help families navigate these systems to ensure each child receives the support and opportunities they deserve.
How can a child advocacy attorney help my child in Pennsylvania?
A Pennsylvania child advocacy attorney can represent your child in education or juvenile matters, attend school or probation meetings, and help you access vital services under state and federal education laws. This includes advocating for special education supports, behavioral interventions, or alternative placements to promote success in school and beyond.
What is the “school-to-prison pipeline,” and how can legal advocacy help prevent it?
The school-to-prison pipeline refers to the troubling pattern where students—often those with disabilities or from marginalized backgrounds—are funneled from schools into the juvenile justice system. Legal advocacy helps by ensuring that schools provide proper behavioral and academic support, implement fair discipline policies, and give students every opportunity to succeed rather than face punitive measures.
When should I contact a child advocacy or education law attorney?
You should reach out to a child advocacy lawyer if your child is struggling to receive appropriate educational services, facing disciplinary action, involved in juvenile court, or if you believe their educational rights are being violated. Early intervention often prevents larger issues and helps ensure your child receives the support they are legally entitled to.
What is the difference between juvenile justice law and education law?
Juvenile justice law deals with minors involved in the legal system, often due to alleged offenses, while education law focuses on ensuring students’ rights within the school system. At Cherkas Metcalfe Law, these areas often overlap—our attorneys help bridge the gap by advocating for educational supports that can prevent justice system involvement and improve long-term outcomes for students.
How do I get started with Cherkas Metcalfe Law?
To discuss your child’s situation, you can call us at 484.873.8010 or complete our online contact form. Our team offers consultations to help families understand their legal options and take the first steps toward protecting their child’s rights and educational future.