About
135,000+
children represented in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Bronx
5,000
youth served every year by our attorneys and social workers
90%
clients would not be able to afford representation
Advocating for children. Fighting for justice.
The Children’s Law Center (“CLC”) provides children with a voice in Family Court, ensuring their rights are protected and their well-being is prioritized. We represent young clients in custody, visitation, domestic violence, and child protective matters, guiding them through the legal system with compassion, advocacy, and expertise.
Through direct representation, interdisciplinary support, and systemic advocacy, we empower our clients to have a say in decisions that shape their lives and promote their wellbeing.
Protecting NYC’s children since 1997
The Children’s Law Center was founded in 1997 by four pioneering women who saw the urgent need for legal representation for New York City’s most vulnerable children.
These women were Judge Judith Kaye, Fern Schair, Hon. Carol Sherman and Barbara Dildine.
For over 25 years, CLC has stood by tens of thousands of children facing family dissolution, domestic violence, and legal uncertainty—making sure they are heard, supported, and advocated for every step of the way.
As an advocate for children’s rights, CLC has successfully pushed 1,000 appeals, shaping the landscape of New York family law today.
Attorneys. Social workers. Advocates.
At CLC, our attorneys, social workers, and support staff work together to provide children with the best possible representation inside and outside the courtroom. Through direct representation, interdisciplinary support, and systemic advocacy, we empower our clients to have a say in decisions that shape their lives.
Attorneys
Representation in Family Court
Social Workers
Care beyond the courtroom
Paralegals & Staff
Supporting seamless legal advocacy
Our leadership team and Board members are dedicated to shaping a future where every child’s rights are protected and well-being is prioritized.
Liberty Aldrich
Executive Director
Deana A. Tietjen
Deputy Executive Director
Laurie McPherson
Board President
Every child deserves a voice.
Since 1997, CLC has represented over 135,000 children in Family Court, and counting.
Most of our clients come from families who can’t afford legal representation—and in 75% of our cases, our team helps children achieve their desired legal outcome, giving them a say in where they live, who they see, and what happens next.
Learn more about CLC
You can get in touch with the Children’s Law Center by filling out our contact form, and peruse Media if you would like to know more about the Center.
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