The JCP Process

All applicants seeking representation are required to complete the intake process. The JCP intake process consists of filling out an Application for Representation, providing proof of household income and participating in an intake interview. Incarcerated applicants must complete a modified Application for Representation.

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Basic Requirements:

• You must be a biological parent or an adoptive parent.

• You must have a court active dependency or termination of parental rights case in Allegheny County.

• Your Househld income must fall within the poverty guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human services.

The poverty guidelines are published by the Legal Services Corporation and can be viewed at its web site LSC Income Eligibility Guidelines

Intake Hours and Location:

The JCP also conducts Monday through Friday at its office located in the Allegheny Building. The intake hours are as follows:

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS                9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. (NOON)

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS                                       1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.

The JCP also conducts intake at Juvenile Court on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. but only for parents who have dependency hearings scheduled on those days.

Additionally, the JCP conducts law clinics at various sites in Allegheny County including the OCYFS regional offices and the Allegheny County Jail, as well as various shelters, treatment facilities, and community centers.

Finally, the JCP will conduct intake via mail, telephone, or facsimile when an applicant is unable to come to the JCPoffice or when coming to the JCP office would present a considerable hardship for the applicant. Such situations would include, but are not necessarily limited to, applicants who are either incarcerated, in an inpatient treatment program, live out of state, or are medically frail.

What to Bring:

1. Proof of household income, e.g. DPW & SSI printouts, pay stubs, W-2 forms, and child support orders.

2. Any paperwork concerning your case, e.g. notices of hearing dates, reports prepared by your OCYFS caseworker, family court orders, etc.

3. Names and telephone numbers of potential witnesses, e.g. doctors, therapists, school officials, housing authority officials, probation officers, service providers, etc.

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Copyright © 2004 Allegheny County Bar Foundation
Last modified: 1/18/08