REDMOND, Washington (March 19, 2013)–Hopelink, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged individuals and families in King and Snohomish counties in Washington state, recently announced the dates for its End Summer Hunger campaign, which will run from April through August. The organization is encouraging all of its supporters, including longtime proponent Jonathan Milstein, to participate to make this event a huge success.

According to Feeding America, the leading hunger relief organization in the nation, more than 50 million Americans go hungry each day. This equates to approximately one out of six people, including more than one out of five children. Donations from the End Summer Hunger campaign will be distributed among the five Hopelink service centers in east and north King County.

For more than four decades, Hopelink has provided services to individuals and families in need. Its services include assistance in the areas of adult education, family development, food, housing, and transportation.

Jonathan Milstein is a longtime supporter and volunteer for Hopelink. Aside from his charitable interests, he serves as an attorney at Puget Sound Professional Legal Services, where he focuses on family law matters. Prior to his current position, Jonathan Milstein served as an assistant attorney general for the Washington State Attorney General's Office.
 
Jonathan Milstein, attorney, is the founder of Puget Sound Professional Legal Services, a firm focused on family law, including adoption law.

Many families dream of adopting a child, and many foster children dream of being adopted. While this may be true, there are also many perpetual myths. Some people believe that adopters must be wealthy homeowners to qualify. The truth is, adopting from U.S. foster care is usually free, and high income, home ownership, and existing children are not required.

Another common myth is that sibling relationships among foster children are unimportant. In reality, siblings in the foster care system are often very strongly bonded. Placing the children together is usually the best option for the children, as it helps keep things similar and prevents them from experiencing yet another loss.

Families who are considering adopting are strongly recommended to research the topic thoroughly. The adoption process is long, often taking about a year from initial outreach to child placement. By planning ahead, remaining patient, and being prepared, families can make the most of the adoption process and be ready to bring a new child into their lives.
 
By Jonathan Milstein

The Kinship Care Solutions Project helps children who can no longer live safely with their parents find a secure and supportive home in the custody of relatives or unrelated caregivers with whom they have a strong and established relationship. A pro bono program established by Washington State’s King County Bar Association, the project offers free legal assistance for those seeking third-party (or nonparental) custody of a child or children. It serves individuals with economic challenges who are residents of King County or whose cases are subject to the jurisdiction of the King County Superior Court. 

Before taking a case, the Kinship Care Solutions Project considers the following important factors: whether the parents represent a genuine risk to the child’s well-being; how long (if at all) a child has resided with a nonparental caregiver and whether the caregiver offers a safe and reliable environment; and whether the caregiver cannot easily find a volunteer attorney elsewhere and would have difficulty bringing a custody case without legal representation. The project does not offer assistance in adoption cases, in dependency cases (unless the parents and foster caregiver have agreed to a custodial arrangement), or to parents in general.

About the Author:
Jonathan Milstein is an attorney and owner of Puget Sound Professional Legal Services. Mr. Milstein regularly volunteers with the Kinship Care Solutions Project. 

January 23rd, 2013

1/23/2013

 
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There is substantial evidence that productive child visitations can reduce conflict and improve the child-parent relationship, contributing to a healthier emotional and home life for the child. Jonathan Milstein established Children First Visitation & Transportation Services as a vehicle to provide children and parents with supportive services during visits. A lawyer with 15 years of experience practicing law, Milstein ensures that his staff is highly trained in all aspects of family law that affect children, including laws relating to parental abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and parental alienation.

During the visits, social workers keep meticulous notes documenting what occurred and any issues that came up regarding the child’s comfort or safety. They share this information with both parents within 48 hours of the visit. Children First serves King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties in Washington. To learn more about Jonathan Milstein and Children First, please visit www.childrenfirstvts.com.