That guiding principle is the American Bar Association's theme for our nation's May 1 commemoration of Law Day. Every day, ABA members and staff help the courts and child protection authorities work more effectively for the best interests of children. Our volunteer lawyers also work to improve the laws affecting children. But protecting the best interests of our children will require efforts beyond those of the legal community. It remains vital that business executives, political leaders, and indeed all citizens pay attention to the needs of children involved in the courts.
Children collide with the legal system for a variety of reasons - some beyond their control.
They are often in court as victims of crime or the unhappy subjects of custody disputes. Yet these children may be the most ignored in legal proceedings. More than a half-million children each year are involved in judicial proceedings related to their abuse, neglect or abandonment. Too frequently, the law ill serves troubled teenagers whose lives are chaotic and who need alternatives, not punishment. Quality legal representation is often unavailable to them as well.