Children’s Legal Services (CLS) represents the State of Florida through the Department of Children and Families to ensure the health and safety of children and the integrity of families. Working with other department programs and community stakeholders, CLS advocates for the safety, well-being, and permanency of Florida’s abused, abandoned, and neglected children. With a team of more than 350 attorneys, CLS plays an integral role at each state of a Chapter 39 proceeding. Across the state, CLS attorneys are dedicated to carrying out the mission and vision of the department.
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Advocating for Families
CLS advocates for the safety, well-being, and permanency of Florida’s children who are involved in dependency court proceedings. Dependency court governs cases that come to the attention of the Department of Children and Families through the Florida Abuse Hotline. Dependency court is not the same as Family Court, and CLS does not handle Family Court cases such as custody issues, child support, or divorce proceedings.