LEGAL COUNSEL FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN

CHILD WELFARE: LCYC works with youth to secure placement, family visitation, permanency, education, medical and mental health services for youth in the child welfare (dependency) system. We also represent youth in At Risk Youth (ARY), Child In Need of Services (CHINS), Truancy, and Minor Guardianship cases through court appointment. LCYC's low caseloads, and youth centered service model positively affects the lives of the children we serve. LCYC provides proactive advocacy, engaging with children, caregivers, schools, family, services providers, and other community supports. We strive not only to meet the immediate basic needs and rights of the child, but we look forward to the future. We follow the child's stated goals, build support around these goals, and help our youth clients to realize long-term stability, positive connections, and school success. Unlike teachers and social workers, attorneys are not mandated reporters, which creates a uniquely safe and confidential environment for youth to disclose information and problem solve without fear. LCYC empowers youth by helping them understand and engage in complex legal systems, influencing court decisions that will impact their lives and families forever.

YOUTH HOMELESSNESS PROGRAM: LCYC's Youth Homelessness Program (YHP) provides free, community-based legal services to youth who are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness, helping them to maintain and/or secure stable housing. This program serves people 12-24 years old and experiencing or at risk of homelessness in communities across Washington State. Services provided may include legal advice, mediation or negotiation, and in-court advocacy. We are able to assist with a number of civil legal issues including, but not limited to: child protective services, emancipation, gender marker and name changes, identity theft, landlord/tenant issues, public benefits, consumer and medical debt, family law, warrants, immigration, and orders of protection. An independent evaluation conducted by MEM consultants LLC found that "LCYC's legal advocacy had an immediate, positive impact on clients...65% clients reported safe and stable housing after working with an LCYC attorney, compared to 39% at intake. LCYC advocacy improved housing stability for 70% of minors served." LCYC works with community partners to provide multidisciplinary support to minors through a model called the Youth Engagement Team, which provides holistic support through legal services, housing navigation, and behavioral health services.