Child Welfare Law Specialist Certification
Are you ready to enhance your practice? Become a certified Child Welfare Law Specialist.
Child Welfare Law Specialist certification signifies an attorney’s specialized knowledge, skill, and verified expertise.
NACC only grants the CWLS credential to attorneys who successfully complete a rigorous application and examination process. This professional achievement is the highest testament to an attorney’s dedication and demonstrated excellence in child welfare law.
For purposes of CWLS certification, the American Bar Association defines child welfare law as “the practice of law representing children, parents or the government in all child protection proceedings including emergency, temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, foster care, permanency planning, termination, guardianship, and adoption. Child Welfare Law does not include representation in private custody and adoption disputes where the state is not a party.”
The Participatory Action Research Collective conducted a year-long study of more than 300 child welfare professionals which demonstrates that certified Child Welfare Law Specialists outperform other attorneys in providing quality legal representation to children, parents, or child welfare agencies.
More CWLS Information
Child Welfare Law Specialists must submit annual reports and recertify every five years.
Community of Child Welfare Law Specialists
NACC is the only national organization accredited by the American Bar Association to certify attorneys as Child Welfare Law Specialists. NACC has certified hundreds of attorneys as CWLS since the program began in 2006, collectively raising the standard of practice and the quality of representation in child welfare law.
Certification entitles attorneys to use the credential CWLS in their filings and documents.
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and the Conference of Chief Justices/Conference of State Court Administrators endorse NACC’s certification program.
CWLS Fees
APPLICATION FEES
| NACC Members | $400 |
| Non-members | $525 |
Annual Renewal
| All Renewals | $120* |
Recertification
| All recertifications | $300 |
Maintain Your CWLS Credential
Child Welfare Law Specialists must submit an annual report to NACC regarding disclosure of conduct and an annual fee. NACC and the ABA also require Child Welfare Law Specialists to recertify (similar to the initial application process) every five years to help ensure the integrity of the credential.
Click through to learn all the details of these processes.
A National Approach
CWLS certification is currently available in all states except Maine, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
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Enhance your practice.
Child Welfare Law Specialists must apply for recertification every five years.
Advertise your CWLS certification in accordance with the Rules of Professional Conduct in your jurisdiction.