Daniel Rosenberg

Imperial County, California, is a rural and impoverished jurisdiction on the south-eastern border of the state. It is well known for being among the most impoverished places in the country and a challenging area for child welfare practice. In this community, there are frequently children who are victims of trafficking, exposure to domestic violence, substance abuse, and sexual abuse. Daniel Rosenberg is the senior attorney in the area assigned to represent children who are victims of abuse and neglect and who are active in the juvenile dependency or foster care system. Representation is provided through a specialized child advocacy unit in the County Public Defender's Office. 

During his tenure as a child welfare attorney, Daniel has melded his unique background as a former teacher, rabbi, and criminal defense attorney to become a masterful and creative children's counsel. His skills working in the prison system as both a faith-leader, counselor, and attorney have allowed Daniel to provide holistic representation to children who are in dire need of advocacy and are sometimes left bereft in a community with few resources. As a rabbi and faith leader, Daniel is uniquely situated to work in rural communities, where support systems are often built around faith communities and informal social support networks. Thanks to his advocacy, the California system has become more responsive to the need of foster youth to see their siblings and parents, the necessity of family visitation, and stringent evaluation of children's health. Further he has built deep and sustainable connections and collaboration to health care providers and workers at the Department of Social Services, earning the respect and trust of workers in our Department. 

As a fierce advocate for children who are often forgotten by the system, it is clear that Daniel’s work has assisted in saving the lives of children, particularly teenagers who are often in need of holistic advocacy. Further, he has blazed a path into reunification advocacy, sometimes arguing completely alone against nearly every other party in dependency. As the late Justice Cardozo would put it, Daniel Rosenberg has no qualms being "the last gladiator against the lions" if he feels it is in the child's best interest.

You can follow Daniel's advocacy on his Facebook page. Also follow County of Imperial's Facebook and Twitter pages as well.

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