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Center on Children and the Law

The Center promotes access to justice for children and families. Our team of attorneys and core staff work on a diverse portfolio of national, regional and local projects in the children’s law field throughout the country. Center projects are unified by two complementary goals: improving legal representation and improving the legal systems that impact children and families.

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Please fill out this form. Indicate if you wish to sign up for our mailing list, or type your question/request in the space provided. Please note that the Center does not provide direct legal representation and is unable to give legal advice.

Webinar: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Foster Care Legal Representation

On Nov. 14, 2023, FJI hosted a webinar to review the NPRM on Foster Care Legal Representation. Panelists from across the country explained how this rule will support prevention and multidisciplinary programs and improve quality legal representation for families in prevention and post-petition cases. They also offered guidance on how to comment and respond to the NPRM.

NPRM Legal Representation Webinar - View

Job Announcement

The Center is accepting applications for a Staff Attorney 2 position focusing on policy and practice improvements related to education advocacy for students in foster care.

Center News

Court Improvement Program (CIP) Talks

CIP Talks are short video speeches by leading legal and child welfare experts highlighting how the legal community can work with partners to better serve vulnerable families and improve child welfare outcomes. The CIP Talks were produced by the Capacity Building Center for Courts in collaboration with the Children's Bureau.

Family First Act Resources and Tools

Access our resources on implementing the Family First Prevention Services Act.

Legal Representation Infographic

Our 2-page infographic explains the importance of high-quality legal representation for children, parents, and child welfare agencies in child welfare proceedings.

Download - Infographic

Project Areas

Center projects focus on strengthening courts, legal representation, and state and local systems. Topics include child welfare and intersecting issues: permanency, education, immigration, kin and relative care, and health.

See our - Project Areas

Training and Technical Assistance

The Center is a full-service training and technical assistance provider on a variety of child welfare legal-related topics.