The Family Justice Initiative is a national collaborative of children’s attorneys, parents’ attorneys, educators, researchers, and national policy advocates who share a common goal: to increase access to high-quality legal representation for children and parents in child welfare cases. It’s led by the ABA Center on Children and the Law, the Children’s Law Center of California, and the Center for Family Representation.
Partnering for Families
We are a national initiative working to improve legal representation for families across the United States.
Our Founders
American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, Casey Family Programs, Center for Family Representation, and Children's Law Center of California
Learn MoreRecent News and Resources
Read recent news articles, research, and resources.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau issues guidance to courts, attorneys and child welfare agencies during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
CB urges courts to refrain from making sweeping blanket orders ceasing, suspending, or postponing court hearings and reducing or suspending family visitation. Read the letter here.
Quality Legal Representation
High-quality legal representation for parents and children in child welfare proceedings has many benefits, including increased parental engagement, more frequent visitation, and better access to services. Most importantly, quality legal representation for families has been shown to reduce the length of time children must spend in foster care — and in some cases, prevent family…