Investing in Family Legal Representation to Improve Outcomes with Gwen Clegg

Elliott and Tecoria talk to Gwen Clegg about Oklahoma’s new statewide Office of Family Representation.  So new, in fact, that it hadn’t even launched when this episode was recorded. Gwen is a parent defense attorney and for the past 15 years she has been working tirelessly to improve the quality of family representation in Oklahoma. Across the country, families experiencing a child welfare case suffer from poorly funded, overworked, and ill-equipped (albeit well-intentioned) attorneys, which can lead to negative outcomes for their family. Listeners will follow Gwen through her journey of turning a vision of high-quality family representation in Oklahoma into a reality. In 2023, the Oklahoma legislature allocated $4.5 million and July 1, 2024, the Oklahoma Office of Family Representation was launched. Their multi-disciplinary team of attorneys, social workers, and peer parent mentors are committed to improving outcomes for families. Tune in to hear Gwen tell the story that is unfolding in Oklahoma.

Community In-Site now has a dedicated website where you can listen to episodes, access information and resources, and subscribe to the email newsletter. Podcasts Archive

To learn more about the Oklahoma Office of Family Representation you can visit their website. Oklahoma Office of Family Representation

Here are a few resources that Gwen would like to share with you.

A Good Attorney Can Be Hard to Find for Parents.  The Frontier 

Bringing the National Parent Defense Movement to Oklahoma. Oklahoma Bar Association 

How to Empower Parents and Children Involved in Child welfare. Oklahoma Family Representation 

Resources for high quality legal representation. Family Justice Initiative and Child Welfare and Juvenile Law

To learn more about the Thriving Families, Safer Children Initiative you can visit the website. Thriving Families

Please email us if you want to connect with the creative team or find out how to engage with the family well-being movement. comminsite@gmail.com