Legal Aid Society

Lifting the Voices of Children & Adolescents

We fight in New York courthouses and communities to empower children, youth and families. Multi-disciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers, paralegals and investigators represent children and adolescents in Family Court matters.

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Every day, in courthouses and communities across the city, we advocate for the rights of young New Yorkers. Learn more about the services we provide.

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Making a Difference

Projects, Units & Initiatives

With the support of our specialized units and interdisciplinary teams, our innovative practice model gives children and youth powerful voices in their cases and ensures that all aspects of their lives receive the expert, focused advocacy that they deserve.

A Day in the Life

Serving Children Holistically in the Juvenile Rights Practice

Maria Kaidas, a social worker, and Sirica McIntosh, an attorney, work in tandem for the best possible outcomes for their young clients in the Bronx.

Maria Kaidas and Sirica McIntosh  Juvenile Rights Practice 

Our Work with Partners

Dismissing School Suspensions for Students with Behavioral Disabilities

We partnered with Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP on an innovative project that quickly pairs volunteer attorneys with students facing School Suspension. In some matters, volunteers participate in meetings to determine whether the student’s behavior was actually a manifestation of their disability. Students with representation at hearings are ensured due process, experience reduced time spent out of class, and frequently achieve a dismissal of the suspension.

By the Numbers

The backbone of New York’s communities are the individuals and families who live in them. We empower the voice of children involved in Family Court and fight for children and individuals of all ages who have faced violence, abuse, and trafficking, as well as those fighting for access to an education, seeking a divorce, or freedom from an abusive partner.

90%

90% of children in Family Court are represented by The Legal Aid Society.

70,000+

Juvenile Rights interdisciplinary teams of Attorneys, Social Workers, Paralegals, and Investigators amplified the voice of children in 70,000+ appearances in Family Court in a typical year.

790+

Consultations on education-related matters to ensure students receive the support and services they are entitled to.

Justice in Every Borough

Make a Meaningful Impact

Every day, The Legal Aid Society changes the lives of our clients with the help of our generous supporters. Stand with us.

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