The new year brings new energy and exciting news from CLC! Check out the highlights from the past month in the January newsletter!
Fighting for the Right to Counsel
In 2016, CLC, along with the American Bar Association and the Center for Family Representation founded the Family Justice Initiative (FJI). The goal of FJI is to ensure that every child and parent involved with the child welfare system has access to high-quality legal representation. CLC strongly believes that any court proceeding where fundamental interests are at stake – such as the separation of children from their parents – requires and deserves robust procedural protections. This includes the right to a dedicated and trained attorney for all parties, including children.
CLC is proud to share FJI’s first published newsletter. Click here to read more about FJI and find helpful publications, resources, and guides to support the work of attorneys for parents and children.
To know CLC Attorney Jennifer Lorson is to know a true advocate. Over her nearly three decades of practicing dependency law, she has helped countless children, teens, and parents through the most challenging of life circumstances – both in and out of the courtroom.
Jennifer’s passion for advocacy led her to gain expertise in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, cognitive disorders, and the impacts of trauma. She was instrumental in building CLC’s program supporting dual jurisdiction youth and has trained countless interns and young staff over the years – acting as a mentor and a cheerleader for those new to the world of child welfare. When not working on behalf of her clients, Jennifer spends countless hours coordinating the annual Westside Thanksgiving celebration, which provides meals and other essential items to thousands of people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.
Recently, Jennifer fought vigorously to ensure her client – a transition age youth – is eligible to receive critical independent living services, including transitional housing. Jennifer built a team of advocates and pro bono attorneys to work on the case. The finding of eligibility by the court represents a critical shift that will allow more youth to access the support they need to prepare for independence.
Thank you, Jennifer, for your dedication and unwavering commitment to your clients and CLC. We are very lucky to have you!
Longtime supporter Kasey Cotulla has been involved with CLC since we first opened our doors in Sacramento over a decade ago. Kasey is a passionate champion – spreading the word about our critical work, donating printing services for fundraisers, introducing our mission to other potential supporters in the community, and providing scholarships for CLC attorneys to participate in Leadership Sacramento, a program founded by the Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation that develops community-minded business and civic leaders of tomorrow.
Kasey ensured that CLC had the opportunity to participate in the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce “Law and Order Day,” the year we opened our doors in Sacramento. The event allowed attendees in the community to learn about the importance of the foster care system and CLC’s work. Now an annual event, CLC has been able to present to over 400 businesses and local professionals at Law and Order Day.
Thank you, Kasey, for believing in CLC and fighting for children and their families in Sacramento County!
Knock Out Human Trafficking this Super Bowl Sunday
The risk of commercial sex trafficking intensifies with large scale events. As Los Angeles prepares for the Super Bowl, it is critical to spread awareness and put protections in place to combat human trafficking. CLC is proud to partner with Knock Out Human Trafficking (KOHT), a social action campaign anchored by professional boxer Laila Ali. Learn more about Knock Out Human Trafficking and be on the lookout for a PSA and additional resources from KOHT.
Dependency Legal News Vol. 18., No 1
Review the most recent legal developments in dependency case law with our January Legal Newsletter. Our talented in-house Writ Team provides an in-depth analysis on case law related to child welfare. Read the latest issue here.
CLC Client Spotlight: Meet Ty
Too many children in California’s foster care system experience frequent and often heartbreaking placement changes. This was the reality for CLC client Ty, who found school to be a haven and a place where she could shine. Unfortunately, Ty’s many placement changes led to her falling behind in school and being at risk of not graduating – but Ty’s dedicated attorney Sasha Stern was not about to let that happen!
Watch the video to learn more about Ty, how her attorney helped make sure she was able to graduate, and Ty’s hopes for the future. Since filming, we’re excited to share that Ty moved into an apartment of her very own in a transitional housing program.
This video was developed in partnership with Director Joanna Friedman of Magnify to spotlight CLC clients sharing with you – in their own words – their experiences in foster care and the role CLC has played for them and their families. View all our client videos here.
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