For Our Clients
I’m a new client!
If you’re a new client with the Children’s Law Center, you might have some questions. We’re here to answer them.
If your parents or guardians go to “Family Court” in New York City, you won’t be on your own. The judge can give you a lawyer – just for you. That’s where we, the Children’s Law Center, come in.
By giving you a lawyer (an “Attorney for the Child”), the Children’s Law Center will help you understand what’s happening in the legal process, share your voice, and make sure the judge knows what you want.
What is family court?
Family Court is where judges help families solve problems and make important decisions. The judge listens to everyone and makes a decision that’s best for the child.
Because these decisions affect you, our lawyers and social workers at the Children’s Law Center are here to help.
When do kids have lawyers?
You might be given an Attorney for the Child (“AFC”) if:
- Your family is trying to decide where you should live
- A judge wants to make sure you’re safe and taken care of
- You’re in foster care or moving to a new home
- Lots of other possible reasons!
Because these decisions affect you, our lawyers and social workers at the Children’s Law Center are here to help.
What happens after I’m given an “AFC”?
An Attorney for the Child is a lawyer just for you. Your AFC will:
- Listen: Your AFC will meet and listen to you.
- Explain: Your AFC will help you understand what’s happening and answer any questions.
- Speak Up for You: Your AFC will tell the judge and others what you want.
- Keep Things Private: Your AFC keeps your conversations private.
Because these decisions affect you, our lawyers and social workers at the Children’s Law Center are here to help.
Why is a CLC social worker contacting me?
Going to Family Court is only part of the bigger picture. If CLC asks a social worker to get in touch with you, that social worker work with you and your lawyer. Social workers can help find a different school or after school program, or maybe just someone to talk to.
If you’re given a social worker, they will listen to your concerns and help you make a plan. Your social worker does not work for the government – they work for you. That means everything you say will be private unless you want it to be shared, except in a few very special circumstances. A social worker might help you:
- Find a safe place to stay
- Get support in school
- Figure out what you want to happen
What are some words I might hear in court?
There will be a lot of new and unfamiliar words you’ll encounter in this process, like:
- Custody: Legal custody is about who makes important decisions for you, while physical custody is about who you live with.
- Visitation: When you spend time with a family member you don’t live with.
- Judge: The person who makes decisions in court.
- Hearing: A meeting in court where the judge listens to your lawyer and family.
We’ve put together an explainer of some commonly-used words in our glossary. Check it out!
What is “CLC”?
The Children’s Law Center (“CLC”) started in Brooklyn to help children with family law cases. CLC helps thousands of kids every year, giving them someone who speaks up for them in court about things like where they live, who they visit, and if they’re safe at home. Now, CLC helps kids in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, too.
In New York City’s boroughs of Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and Queens, CLC is the main organization that helps kids with custody and visitation issues. We are so lucky to do this special work!
And what if I need help right now?
If you feel unsure about what’s happening, please know that you’re not alone. We have resources to help answer your questions and support you.