Children’s Legal Representation Program

Through our Children’s Legal Representation Program, we advocate for children in Family Court, Dependency Court, Immigration Court, and before USCIS.

• In Family Court, we ensure caregivers have the legal authority to meet children’s needs—such as consenting to medical treatment or arranging appropriate education.
• In Dependency Court, we serve as Attorneys Ad Litem, amplifying children’s voices and protecting their legal rights. When the State Guardian Ad Litem Office has a conflict, we serve as Guardians Ad Litem, advocating for the child’s best interests. Our work in Dependency Court directly reduces the number of runaway teens and associated dangers.
• In Immigration Court and before USCIS, we represent immigrant children with legal status in seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) visas—a critical protection that provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship. SIJ status benefits both the child and the community by enabling lawful employment, expanding access to healthcare, reducing unlicensed driving, supporting educational attainment, and increasing tax revenue.

Our success is grounded in passion, innovation, and a child-centered approach. We earn children’s trust through consistent, empathetic communication and collaborate with social service organizations and foundations to meet their full range of needs. Our attorneys are not just legal advocates—they are champions for children’s futures.

Program Outcomes

These outcomes highlight the significant benefits of providing dedicated legal representation to vulnerable children:

• Educational Success:

  • Increased likelihood of staying in school and graduating.
  • Advocacy in Dependency Court for appropriate educational programs and necessary materials.
  • Orders in Family Court for caregivers to enroll children in school and consent to educational placements.
  • Securing Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status for access to higher education, in-state tuition, and financial aid.

• Physical and Mental Health:

  • Ensuring caregivers have legal authority to consent to medical treatment.
  • Advocacy for foster children to receive necessary services.
  • SIJ status allows access to routine healthcare, reducing reliance on emergency services.

• Juvenile Justice Prevention:

  • Reduction in runaway youth and prevention of juvenile justice system involvement.
  • Estimated savings of $148,000 per youth diverted from detention.

• Economic Impact:

  • Increased labor force participation through employment authorization, driver’s licenses, and tax contributions.
  • Stable, higher-paying jobs for permanent residents, reducing reliance on public assistance.

• Protection Against Human Trafficking:

  • Legal advocates reduce the likelihood of children falling prey to traffickers.
  • Reduction in public costs associated with law enforcement, recovery services, and long-term care.