Fighting for DC kids
Every child deserves to have a stable family, good health, a quality education and to live in a world in which racism, trauma and poverty are eliminated as barriers to success.
We help the DC community by:
A stable family is a critical building block for a child’s success. We are appointed by judges in the District court to represent children in foster care or when caregivers are disputing custody.
"My Children’s Law Center lawyer is my hero. I wouldn’t have been able to afford my tuition without his help." - Tala
“Not all heroes wear capes – but suits!”Some problems can’t be fixed by medicine alone. Our lawyers work side-by-side with pediatricians to find and fix the root causes of a child’s health problem.
"Ms. J is so passionate about advocating for her daughter and for other families in similar situations." - Lacia Japp
A Bittersweet VictoryEvery child can learn if they are in the right educational setting. This is especially important for students with disabilities. Our lawyers work with the parents and school to get a child’s education back on the right path.
“Once our Children's Law Center lawyer Sarah got into our life – snap – things started changing for the better.” - Ms. Johnson
She wasn’t going to let the system fail her daughterWe partner with District agencies, the DC Council and community organizations to find and implement city-wide solutions and systemic changes that benefit all DC kids. When necessary, we use other legal tools – like class action lawsuits – to bring about systemic reforms.
Parents and guardians of students with disabilities file lawsuit seeking safe, reliable and effective transportation for their children.
The District Fails to Provide Transportation for Students with Disabilities
2024 Annual Report
Our work in 2024 built upon nearly three decades of experience. With the longstanding support of thousands of donors, thought partners and visionary leaders, we met the changing needs of more than 5,000 children and families. We expanded our reach through new partnerships, increased our impact through innovative legal approaches and continued to make a difference, child by child and family by family.
Ways to Give
Children’s Law Center depends on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations to make our work possible. As a result of their support, we are able to continue fighting – and winning – for thousands of DC children and families.
Support Our WorkOur Team
All Team Members-
Jennifer Mezey
Healthy Together Deputy Director
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Gwendolyn Walker Nicholas
Staff Attorney, Guardian ad Litem
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Leah Castelaz
Senior Policy Attorney
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Ivan Linero
Finance Manager