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.

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 household income must fall within income guidelines established for civil legal aid for low-income Americans. The financial circumstances for all applicants are individually assessed.

Intake Hours and Location:

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

Intake is not complete until the applicant provides proof of income and attends an Intake Orientation session conducted during Intake Hours at the JCP office or over the phone.

Additionally, the JCP conducts a weekly law clinic at the Allegheny County Jail.

The JCP may conduct intake via telephone, mail, or email when an applicant is unable to come to the JCP office 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.