Mission

The ABA Center on Children and the Law’s mission is to promote access to justice for children and families.  

Reach

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.

Goals

Center projects are unified by two complementary goals: to improve legal representation and to improve the legal systems that impact children and families. 

Child Welfare Legal Representation: ABA Attorney Standards

This new book collects in one easy reference three ABA practice standards (for children’s attorneys, child welfare agencies, and parent attorneys), a model act on child representation, and an infographic on high-quality legal representation. 

Order Your Copy Today:

• Order online
  
  
• Call the ABA Service Center: 800-225-2221
  
  
• For bulk discount rates: please contact Francine Bennett

Staff Attorney Positions

The Center is growing! We have two new attorney positions we are seeking to fill.

• Staff Attorney 1
  
  
• Staff Attorney 2

Experienced child law attorneys are encouraged to apply.

Business Administration Assistant

The Center is seeking a Business Administration Assistant. 

Interested candidates can review the job description and apply through the ABA Human Resources Department. 

Separating Families at the Border

Center Director Prudence Beidler Carr reviews how child welfare law applies to the family separation policy and ongoing repercussions. (June 28, 2018 webinar hosted by the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice.)

National Reunification Month

Center Legal Education Director Mimi Laver highlights National Reunification Month and the National Alliance for Parent Representation. (June 28, 2018 webinar hosted by the Birth Parent National Network.) 

Family First Prevention Services Act Comments

The ABA submitted a letter July 20 to the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Servs. commenting on the Family First Prevention Services Act. It described proposed programs and services to include in a clearinghouse of evidence-based prevention practices.

Recent ABA Policy Letters

Separating Families at the Border - letter raising legal and policy arguments against family separation at the border.

AFCARS Final Rule Comments - letter offering comments regarding the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System and supporting the AFCARS Final Rule.

Quality Representation Infographic

2-page infographic on high-quality legal representation in child welfare cases.

Parent Know Your Rights Guides

State-specific resources for parents who have had their children removed from their home.

Child Welfare & Immigration Case Studies

Seven case studies with guidance on legal relief options for immigrants in the child welfare system.