Connecticut State Division of Public Defender Services

Members of the public have reported receiving calls, reportedly from the Judicial Branch of the Public Defender’s office, indicating that their loved one is in jail and they need to immediately send cash or provide a credit card number for bail. These calls are scams, so please do not send cash or provide your credit card number or any other personal information. A public defender would never call and ask for money or credit card information. If you receive such a call, contact the State Police in your state.

Clarification
Child Protection Attorney Qualified (state-rate)
vs.
Family Matters GAL/AMC Trained

OCPD Contracted GAL/AMC Attorney List – Family Matters
Only persons who have been placed on this list may be appointed to represent the children of indigent parents to be paid by OCPD at state rates. Persons on the list are contracted by OCPD to provide representation or GAL services. All contractors have completed the 6 class GAL/AMC training required by Connecticut Practice Book Sections 25-62 and 25-62A.
Trained Family Matters GAL/AMC Appointees
CT Practice Book requires that all persons appointed as a GAL or AMC in Family Matters complete the 6 class GAL/AMC training co-sponsored by OCPD and the Judicial Branch. Individual judges make the appointments from either the state rate contracted list or the general list of approved persons maintained by the Judicial Branch. The names of all persons completing the training are forwarded to Judicial.