Individual Advocacy
Our Approach
CLC’s holistic approach connects clients to basic needs, resources for healing, and more. Our referral system work sin two ways:
Partner organizations can refer youth to us for representation; and
CLC attorneys refer clients to partner organizations when outside expertise will support their basic needs and healing.
For all clients, CLC prioritizes trauma-informed lawyering to prevent revictimization of children involved in legal disputes. CLC attorneys ensure that their clients have agency and voice in all case outcomes, helping kids start on the path toward healing.
CLC attorneys identify factors which place our clients most at risk and which contribute to the legal issues which bring them through our doors. Many of our clients have experienced poverty, childhood maltreatment and/or trauma, lack of stable supports in family/community and inequitable treatment as a result of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. Frequently, they are involved in:
Juvenile or Criminal Justice system (due process, incarceration issues, civil rights)
Family Court (protection from harm, custody)
Child Welfare system (homelessness, lack access to education and other services)
Child Victims (legal representation in criminal proceedings and family court matters in which the child is the victim/witness)
Mental Health system (unmet mental health needs)
Education systems which do not meet needs (enrollment, attendance, disability rights, discipline)
Youth in Transition (helping youth transition back into their communities after being in out of home placements)
Legal barriers to housing for young adults in the KEYS program
CLC lawyers ensure that fundamental rights are upheld, while also working toward positive life outcomes that can improve economic stability, achieve mental & physical wellbeing, further education, and connect youth with family/community. Ultimately, helping youth advocate for their own needs can help them better transition into adulthood.