Change Laws & Policies

Did you know?

• In DC one third (33%) of all children live in poor families compared to 18% nationally.
• 60% of children in the District receive Medicaid.
• Every DC government agency serving children is the subject of a class action lawsuit.

How Does Children’s Law Center Improve DC’s Laws?

CLC’s policy program draws its strength from the expertise and experience we gain representing more than 1,000 children and caregivers each year in abuse and neglect, adoption, guardianship, custody, special education, health care, housing and public benefits matters. CLC’s policy initiatives are closely coordinated with our direct representation of individual clients. We uncover and analyze the systemic barriers facing at-risk children in our community and work to change policies, regulations, laws and funding mechanisms to improve their safety and well-being.

The policy program focuses on four main areas:

• Mental Health: we work to improve children’s access to quality mental health services by increasing the number of providers, improving funding structures and breaking down the barriers which prevent children from getting necessary care.
• Child Welfare System: we work to improve DC’s child welfare system so that more children remain with their families, children who must be removed receive appropriate services while in the District’s custody, and all types of families receive the supports they need so that children can live in loving, stable homes.
• Education: we work to ensure that low income children, children with disabilities and those involved in the child welfare system receive an appropriate, high-quality education. We pay particular attention to special education issues.
• Coalition Building and Anti-Poverty Advocacy: along with other non-profit organizations, CLC works to increase public awareness of the negative effects of living in poverty and to identify and support effective anti-poverty measures that lead to better outcomes for children and families. CLC works to improve budget transparency in DC so the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of programs can be monitored.