For 26 years, Children’s Law Center (CLC) has provided free legal advocacy for foster care youth in Minnesota. CLC advocates for foster children through systemic reform and the provision of free legal representation services. CLC also trains volunteer attorneys to represent foster children in court.

A recent Minnesota Lawyer article discusses a court-ordered evaluation of Hennepin County’s foster care system, which outlines many shortcomings affecting the well-being of foster youth in Hennepin County and throughout the state. The article highlights CLC’s diligent, longstanding efforts to intervene for foster youth and the impact its pro bono attorneys have had on systemic problems exacerbated by the pandemic.

The need to grow its network of volunteer attorneys is greater than ever now, and executive director Lilia Panteleeva notes that experience is not the most important contribution. “The biggest thing is showing up for the kids,” Panteleeva said. “So many attorneys tell me that this is the most meaningful work that they have ever done, by far.” Read the full Minnesota Lawyer article.