Child welfare lawyers in United States represent the legal interests of minors before the court and the legal system. Child welfare law attorneys might be privately retained, serve as a guardian ad litem or be appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child. Issues for child welfare law include emergency custody hearings, child neglect or child support determinations, temporary custody, foster care, permanency planning, terminating parental rights, guardianship cases and adoptions. Child welfare lawyers in United States may work in private practice or for government agencies including child protective services, social services, or the foster care system.