LFC News

Lawyers For Children News

LFC News

STATEMENT
 


Supreme Court to Hear Foster Care Discrimination Case




On November 4 th , the Supreme Court will hear arguments in an important case that could allow taxpayer-funded organizations to discriminate against prospective foster parents who are LGBTQ, Jewish, Muslim or other religious minorities.




STATEMENT
 

Children's Justice Demands Racial Justice




In the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others, Lawyers For Children stands in solidarity with the Black community, including our Black colleagues, friends, and our young clients.




Court Rules Against Unnecessary Foster Care Placement
 

Court Rules Against Unnecessary Foster Care Placement




A New York State Appellate Court issued a crucial decision on July 16th, finding that the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, or ICPC, does not apply when an out-of-state, non-respondent parent seeks custody.




Immigration Detention
 


VICTORY: Court Rules Arrest Warrants for Youth in Foster Care Illegal




In a major victory for our clients and all young people in foster care, a New York State Appellate Court, in an unanimous opinion, barred child welfare agencies from using arrest warrants to return young people back into foster care.




Warrants for Foster Youth
 
LFC Argues Against Arrest Warrants for Foster Youth




Earlier this month, Lawyers For Children filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit challenging the NYC Administration for Children’s Services’ (ACS) use of arrest warrants to return young people to foster care and the Family Court’s authority to grant them.




Immigration Detention
 


LFC Strongly Opposes Proposal to Detain Immigrant Children Indefinitely Citing National Child Welfare Standards




On November 6, Lawyers For Children submitted public comments strongly urging the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health & Human Services (HHS) to abide by the longstanding Flores Settlement Agreement that prevents immigrant children from being unnecessarily detained and maintain policies that protect immigrant children in federal custody.




Immigration Detention
 

Federal Judge Strikes Down Zero-Tolerance Family Separation Policy.




On June 26th, a federal court in San Diego ordered the Trump Administration to reunify children under 5 with their families within two weeks and all other children within 30 days. The preliminary injunction also calls on the government to stop separating families at the border.




Parent
 

Lawyers For Children Founder & Executive Director Honored by American Bar Association Section of Litigation




The American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Litigation presented its 2018 John Minor Wisdom Public Service and Professionalism Award to Karen J. Freedman, the Founder & Executive Director of Lawyers For Children (LFC) at its annual conference on May 3rd in San Diego.




Parent
 

Addressing Fear and Uncertainty: LFC Statement on Protecting Children's Rights




Lawyers For Children was founded to protect the rights of some of our society’s most vulnerable children.  Every day, we use the power of the law to vigorously advocate for our young clients in and outside of foster care, who face incredible obstacles in their daily lives.




Parent
Epic Foundation Taps Lawyers For Children to Join International Portfolio




Lawyers For Children among 10 new grantees for Epic Foundation, which seeks to bridge the gap between philanthropists and high-impact social change organizations focused on children and youth




Parent
 

Landmark Decision Expands Narrow Definition of “Parent”




In a victory for children as well as for the LGBT community, the New York Court of Appeals has recognized the rights of parents to seek custody and visitation with their children, regardless of whether they have a biological or adoptive connection to the child...




Seth Gelblum
 

In Memoriam: Seth Gelblum (1954-2016)




It is with deepest sadness that the board, staff and young clients of Lawyers For Children mourn the death of our dear friend and founding board member, Seth Gelblum...




Lawyers For Children Successfully Opposes Settlement
 

Lawyers For Children Successfully Opposes Settlement that Would Curtail Advocates’ Ability to Bring Impact Litigation




Lawyers For Children is pleased to report a recent victory in the ongoing fight for reform to the foster care system. In the summer of 2015, a class action lawsuit was brought against the city...




New York Law Journal
Karen Freedman, Executive Director, was selected by the New York Law Journal as a 2016 honoree for Lawyers Who Lead By Example




The New York Law Journal announces the 2016 honorees for Lawyers Who Lead by Example in three categories: Lifetime Achievement, Public Service and Pro Bono. The attorneys will be featured in a special section and honored at a dinner on Sept. 20...




Standing Up Against Budget Cuts
 

Standing Up Against Budget Cuts




Every day, we stand by our clients in court and fight for their rights. We also advocate for them at City Hall, Albany, the White House, and in the halls of power by sharing their experiences and using the power of the law...

 

Protecting the Rights of Native American Children at the Supreme Court
 

Protecting the Rights of Native American Children at the Supreme Court




On November 9th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Brackeen v. Haaland, a case challenging the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). ICWA, which has been federal law for over 40 years, sets requirements for child welfare proceedings involving Native children and outlines procedures that prioritize placement of removed children within their extended family and tribal community....

Volunteer models appear in all photographs that depict LFC clients. Photographs courtesy Ben Fink Shapiro Studio and Jasmin Ortiz.