Children’s Law Center

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.

Who We Are

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.

Our Impact: Family

Charnese moved into her new home, and now – a year later – is doing well.

Searching for Stability for Charnese

Every 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.

Our Impact: Education

“Things changed when Children’s Law Center got involved.” - Mr. Sorto.

Tapping into Yesenia's Inner Creativity

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.

Our Impact: Health

Partnerships that improve health outcomes

Deveah’s Healthy Housing Puzzle

We 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.

Our Impact: Systemic Reform

Celebrating record-breaking investments in DC kids

DC children and families win in the FY22 budget
Kids playing in park.

Strategic Framework

2023 marks an exciting opportunity to increase our impact for years to come. Read our new mission, vision and 2023-2027 strategic framework.

Mom and daughter hugging.

Report: A Path Forward for the District’s Public Behavioral Health System

Our latest report, A Path Forward-Transforming the Public Behavioral Health System for Children, Youth, and their Families in the District of Columbia, is a blueprint for creating a successful public behavioral health system — one that supports children and families and, in doing so, strengthens our entire community.