Legal Help for Families and Youth

If you need legal assistance but cannot afford to pay for it, there are many organizations and services available that offer free or low-cost legal help for youth and families. Here are some resources you can turn to for support

  1. Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
    • Description: Provides funding to independent nonprofit legal aid programs that offer free civil legal services to low-income Americans.
    • Website: www.lsc.gov
    • Contact: Find local legal aid programs via their website.
  2. National Center for Youth Law (NCYL)
  3. American Bar Association (ABA)
  4. Children’s Law Center

State and Local Resources

  1. State Bar Associations
    • Description: Most state bar associations have pro bono programs and can connect you with legal aid services in your area.
    • Contact: Visit your state bar association’s website for more information.
  2. Local Legal Aid Societies
    • Description: These organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to residents of specific areas. Services vary by location.
    • Contact: Search online for “legal aid society” along with your city or state.
  3. LawHelp.org
    • Description: Provides referrals to local legal aid and public interest law offices, basic information about legal rights, court forms, self-help information, and links to social service agencies.
    • Website: www.lawhelp.org
    • Contact: Visit the website to find local resources.
  4. Local Nonprofit Organizations
    • Description: Many local nonprofits offer legal assistance for specific issues such as housing, immigration, or family law.
    • Contact: Search for nonprofits in your area that provide legal services.

Specific Programs for Youth

  1. Youth Law Center
    • Description: Works to protect the rights of children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.
    • Website: www.ylc.org
    • Contact: info@ylc.org
  2. Juvenile Law Center
    • Description: Advocates for rights, dignity, equity, and opportunity for youth in the child welfare and justice systems.
    • Website: www.jlc.org
    • Contact: info@jlc.org | 1-888-864-6393
  3. National Runaway Safeline
    • Description: Provides support and resources for runaway and homeless youth, including legal assistance.
    • Website: www.1800runaway.org
    • Contact: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)

Legal Clinics and University Programs

  1. Law School Clinics
    • Description: Many law schools offer free legal clinics where law students, supervised by licensed attorneys, provide legal assistance.
    • Contact: Check with local law schools to see if they offer legal clinics.
  2. Legal Aid Clinics
    • Description: Community-based clinics that offer free or low-cost legal advice and representation.
    • Contact: Search online for “legal aid clinic” along with your city or state.

CASA/GAL Programs

  1. National CASA/GAL Association
    • Description: Provides a national directory of local CASA/GAL programs. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and GAL (Guardian ad Litem) volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in court.
    • Website: www.nationalcasagal.org
    • Contact: Use the website’s “Find a CASA/GAL Program” feature to locate programs by state and county.

How to Get Started

  1. Identify Your Needs: Determine the specific legal issue you need help with (e.g., family law, housing, education).
  2. Contact Organizations: Reach out to the organizations listed above to inquire about services and eligibility.
  3. Prepare Documentation: Gather any relevant documents or information related to your legal issue before contacting a legal aid service.
  4. Follow Up: Stay in touch with the legal aid organization and follow their instructions to ensure you receive the help you need.

By utilizing these resources, you can find the legal assistance you need to address your situation effectively.