Our primary mission at CLC is to provide direct legal representation of abused and neglected youth (ages 10-21) who are in the foster care system. CLC is appointed by state courts to represent youth, primarily in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
CLC staff and volunteer attorneys are court-appointed by Hennepin and Ramsey counties to all children who are aged 10+ who enter child protection in Ramsey County or who are state wards in Hennepin County. CLC accepts appointments from other counties upon request.
At CLC, we establish a rapport with the child or youth and maintain that relationship during the duration of the foster care process. CLC attorneys provide at least one stable adult during the most difficult time of these young people’s lives. CLC attorneys help counsel the child about their rights and options in a developmentally appropriate manner and advise them about the different roles in the court system and what to expect at each stage of the case.
The critical component in this attorney/client relationship is to gain an understanding of the child’s express wishes so the attorney can investigate, engage in discovery, and argue the child’s position in court, providing these children and youth with a voice in the courtroom.
Additionally, CLC attorneys work with our Youth Resource Manager to ensure that we can advocate for the services, benefits, and resources our clients need, such as case planning and meeting with important collateral contacts such as medical providers, counselors, treatment providers, and family or friends important in their lives.
CLC’s vision is to improve the lives and futures of abused and neglected at-risk foster care youth and help to stabilize their lives. We strive to support foster youth through the entire process so they can become successful adults.