The mission of the Law Center is to 1) provide legal representation to children with complex legal problems; 2) provide information and training to parents, advocates, school personnel, social workers, and other child welfare workers; 3) provide resource and referral information on education, child welfare and juvenile justice issues; 4) assist in developing child welfare, juvenile justice, and education policies with a special emphasis on access to equal opportunity for low-income youth and families.
Children's legal problems are unique. When caught in the legal system, children often have a confusing array of educational, emotional, social and cultural needs, requiring advocates who can offer special expertise and commitment. Representing such a constituency requires proficiency and resources not available to the general practitioner. Children do not have the financial means to pay for such experienced legal representation. Law Center services are free of charge.

The Children's Law Center represents young people in the wide variety of legal and administrative proceedings, including: abuse & neglect matters; Child In Need of Services (CHINS); special education and other school matters; homelessness; mental health issues, delinquencies; and children with multiple needs who are denied services due to bureaucratic red tape- the so-called "Stuck Cases". Eligible clients are indigent children under eighteen, or under twenty-two in special education matters.

The Children's Law Center receives nearly 800 calls each year from children seeking clarification of their legal rights, parents requesting referral sources for their children, attorneys requiring technical assistance, and human service providers needing an understanding of their responsibilities towards their clients. Law Center staff represents some of these children. Whenever possible, Law Center staff provide telephone assistance and make referrals to other agencies.

The Children's Law Center provides training and technical assistance to legal services and bar advocate programs, private attorneys, schools and provider agencies statewide. Seminars are presented on a variety of topics such as delinquency, care & protection, and special education. By providing these programs, CLC staff assist other advocates to strengthen the skills needed to secure appropriate services for their clients.

In cooperation with the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, and through the support of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the Law Center also manages an active Children's Pro Bono Program. Attorneys throughout the state provide advocacy to children on school exclusion and special education matters. Lay volunteers and students interested in law careers work on a variety of projects under the direction of the Pro Bono Coordinator.

Requests for assistance on behalf of children in crisis may be made by any individual or organization - young people, parents, friends, community advocates, attorneys, and public or private agencies.
The Children's Law Center is close to public transportation and its offices are wheelchair accessible. Spanish speaking staff and sign language interpreters are available upon request.

The Children's Law Center is funded primarily through the voluntary contributions of concerned individuals and community groups. It also has the support of foundations, corporations, the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation and the United Way of Mass. Bay. Staff attorneys also obtain some funding through court appointed cases.
As a tax-exempt agency, the Law Center gratefully accepts contributions. Memberships are also available. All donations are tax-deductible. Please call for more information.

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