Mission
Justice begins at home.
The Children’s Law Center advances the rights of children through direct representation in legal proceedings that involve custody, visitation, domestic violence, and child protective matters.
Through our work in the courtroom and community, we empower our clients, reduce the negative impact of family dissolution and court involvement, and promote well-being and equity for young people.
Our Focus Areas
Wellbeing
- Custody & Visitation
- Guardianship
Safety & protection
- Domestic violence
- Child protective matters
Empowerment
- Clients’ education needs
- Trauma mitigation
Our commitment to NYC children
Every year, thousands of children enter New York City’s Family Court. The Children’s Law Center fights to ensure that no child stands alone in legal proceedings that will shape their future, and that every child has a say in what those futures will be.
As New York City’s first nonprofit to focus on representing children in contested custody, domestic violence, and visitation cases in Family Court, the Children’s Law Center fills a critical justice gap. Our goals are:
Zealous representation
Trauma-informed care
Advocacy
Systemic change
Our practice model involves a holistic, trauma-informed approach with our Attorneys for the Child (“AFC”) and social workers. We advocate for children in individual cases—and in legislature.
Our core values
The Children’s Law Center holds these values close to its heart.
- Child-Centered Advocacy – Every child deserves to be heard, no matter their age or circumstances.
- Commitment to Equity – We serve children disproportionately impacted by the child welfare and justice systems.
- Holistic Support – We address not just legal needs, but mental health, education, and family stability through a trauma-informed, interdisciplinary approach promoting healing and active participation.
- Systemic Change – Our work extends beyond the courtroom to shape laws that protect children’s rights.
Our impact
Our team of attorneys, social workers, and legal advocates work every day to ensure that our clients’ voices are amplified in Family Court in four of New York City’s boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
- 135,000+ children represented since 1997
- 1,000+ appeals handled, shaping NY family law
- 5,000 children served annually, with 300 assigned to CLC every month
- 75%+ of CLC’s cases result in desired legal outcomes
- 90% of clients come from families who cannot afford legal representation
- Over 80% of our clients come from predominantly black and brown NYC neighborhoods
Our client’s voices matter. Here are just a few of the thousands of children who have found safety, stability, and healing with CLC’s help.
Support our mission
No child should face the justice system alone. Your support helps us fight for children’s rights and voices. There are a number of ways you can support the children of New York — from pro-bono or volunteer work to donating today.