Child Protection Division
Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center
2600 Lone Star Drive, LB#2, Suite A-132, Dallas, Texas 75212 Division
Telephone: (214) 698-4400
Division Fax: (214) 698-4329
Supervising Attorney: Rhonda Rieken Phone: 214-698-4405
Attorneys: Andrea Frye Phone: 214-698-4408
Carl Hadigian Phone: 214-688-4418
Yesenia Arevalo Phone: 214-698-4403
Located in the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center, the Child Protection Division of the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office is appointed by the 304th and 305th District and Associate Judges to handle child-related cases in those courts. Primarily, our attorneys serve as Attorney Ad Litem and/or Guardian Ad Litem for children removed from their homes by Child Protective Services (CPS) due to abuse or neglect. These cases may lead to the termination of parental rights, but often result in the child's return to the parent’s care once a safe environment is established or placement with a relative.
Attorneys in this division possess a specialized skill set, including expertise in Texas family law, education law, immigration law, disability law, and CPS policies. They are also adept at engaging with clients aged 21 and under and finding resources to meet their complex legal, social, medical, and therapeutic needs.
Additionally, the division may be appointed to represent indigent parents in CPS cases, serve as Amicus Attorney or Attorney Ad Litem in private child custody disputes, act as Publication Attorney for unlocated parents, or serve as Guardian Ad Litem in cases like name changes and emancipation suits.
