Legal Representation and Advocacy - Childrens Law Center of Minnesota

NOTE: Represents foster children only; does NOT work with custody issues

Provides direct legal representation for children and youth ages 10 -21 who are abused or neglected in the foster care system. Staff and volunteers are court-appointed by Hennepin and Ramsey counties who enter children protection in Ramsey County or who are state wards in Hennepin County, as well as other appointments from other counties upon request. Other services provided:

- CLC engages in systemic reform benefiting all of Minnesota's foster children. These projects include advocating for policy and legislation regarding children's rights, participating in collaborative working groups focused on children's issues, writing amicus briefs to state and federal appellate courts, serving on statewide and nationwide committees and task forces that address children' issues. - CLC recruits and trains volunteer attorneys to represent foster children in child protection and state wards proceedings and provides ongoing consultation to the attorney - CLC staff works in partnership with a volunteer attorney to provide advocacy for children in foster care in court and legal proceedings. CLC's volunteer attorneys advocate for foster children by ensuring they understand what is happening to them, informing them of their options, and empowering them to have a voice in the decisions that are made about their lives. - The range of issues includes court reviews, appropriate placement, permanency planning, transition to adulthood, sibling contacts, and access to critical services including health care, education and financial benefits