Children's Law Center
@childrenslawcenter.org
Together with DC children & families, Children’s Law Center uses the law to solve children’s urgent problems today, improve the systems that will affect their lives tomorrow and strengthen our community so that change endures.
childrenslawcenter.org
childrenslawcenter.org
TY @citycastdc.bsky.social for highlighting this issue. For DC's crisis response system to work, we need someone to call, someone to respond & a safe place to go. We'll continue to push for each part of our system to have the funding & capacity to deliver the services that children & families need.
DC has one of the nation's lowest 988 Lifeline pickup rates in the nation. For most of this year, roughly 60% of suicide and mental health crisis calls to the 3-digit hotline were picked up by local operators. dc.citycast.fm/news/988-cal...
September 3, 2026 at 6:40 PM
TY @citycastdc.bsky.social for highlighting this issue. For DC's crisis response system to work, we need someone to call, someone to respond & a safe place to go. We'll continue to push for each part of our system to have the funding & capacity to deliver the services that children & families need.
For years, dozens of young people with experience in DC’s foster care system fought to create a new permanency option for older youth. Now, their vision is a reality. SOUL is officially law! Get to know some of these young advocates & learn more in this powerful segment: abcnews.com/video/134832...
Video Foster youth help create bill allowing them to choose their own families
ABC News' Alex Presha talks to current and former foster youth about a new bill that would allow those in the system to choose their own families without losing legal contact with their birth parents.
abcnews.com
September 2, 2026 at 6:26 PM
For years, dozens of young people with experience in DC’s foster care system fought to create a new permanency option for older youth. Now, their vision is a reality. SOUL is officially law! Get to know some of these young advocates & learn more in this powerful segment: abcnews.com/video/134832...
For 30 years, Children’s Law Center has pioneered new strategies, forged powerful partnerships and evolved to meet the changing needs of DC children.
One example: the DC Healthy Housing Map, developed with @childrensnational.bsky.social's Child Health Advocacy Institute, IMPACT DC and Yachad DC.
One example: the DC Healthy Housing Map, developed with @childrensnational.bsky.social's Child Health Advocacy Institute, IMPACT DC and Yachad DC.
August 31, 2026 at 7:56 PM
For 30 years, Children’s Law Center has pioneered new strategies, forged powerful partnerships and evolved to meet the changing needs of DC children.
One example: the DC Healthy Housing Map, developed with @childrensnational.bsky.social's Child Health Advocacy Institute, IMPACT DC and Yachad DC.
One example: the DC Healthy Housing Map, developed with @childrensnational.bsky.social's Child Health Advocacy Institute, IMPACT DC and Yachad DC.
The winds in DC are a bit smoky today, but it's the perfect day to stay inside and catch up on our latest Winds of Change: https://ow.ly/n0vX50ZoYCl
Read about the work we're doing to improve the lives of DC children and families and how you can help. Click on the link in our comments to sign up.
Read about the work we're doing to improve the lives of DC children and families and how you can help. Click on the link in our comments to sign up.
July 17, 2026 at 4:29 PM
The winds in DC are a bit smoky today, but it's the perfect day to stay inside and catch up on our latest Winds of Change: https://ow.ly/n0vX50ZoYCl
Read about the work we're doing to improve the lives of DC children and families and how you can help. Click on the link in our comments to sign up.
Read about the work we're doing to improve the lives of DC children and families and how you can help. Click on the link in our comments to sign up.
Despite a difficult budget year, the @councilofdc.bsky.social filled several major budget gaps for the coming year that will ensure our city can continue to meet the needs of children and families — wins worth recognizing and protecting. (1/3)
June 30, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Despite a difficult budget year, the @councilofdc.bsky.social filled several major budget gaps for the coming year that will ensure our city can continue to meet the needs of children and families — wins worth recognizing and protecting. (1/3)
For the first time, we have SBBH providers in over three quarters of schools. If we don’t restore the proposed 22% funding cut for FY27, we’ll be throwing this progress away – and students will be left without the services they need. @chmnmendelson.bsky.social
June 17, 2026 at 8:45 PM
For the first time, we have SBBH providers in over three quarters of schools. If we don’t restore the proposed 22% funding cut for FY27, we’ll be throwing this progress away – and students will be left without the services they need. @chmnmendelson.bsky.social
Thank you to @robertwhitedc.bsky.social and @cmfrumin.bsky.social for securing enough resources in the FY27 budget across DHS and DCHA to ensure families w vouchers stay housed + help 442 more DC families access housing stability next year.
June 16, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Thank you to @robertwhitedc.bsky.social and @cmfrumin.bsky.social for securing enough resources in the FY27 budget across DHS and DCHA to ensure families w vouchers stay housed + help 442 more DC families access housing stability next year.
Thank you @chmnmendelson.bsky.social and the entire @councilofdc.bsky.social for supporting DC’s Access to Justice Initiative! It is a smart investment that will improve the lives of children and families across the District.
June 11, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Thank you @chmnmendelson.bsky.social and the entire @councilofdc.bsky.social for supporting DC’s Access to Justice Initiative! It is a smart investment that will improve the lives of children and families across the District.
Thank you to the Councilmembers who voted for #AccessToJustice as a top budget priority! Far too many DC residents will need legal help navigating the changes ahead. @chmnmendelson.bsky.social @anitabondsdc.bsky.social @robertwhitedc.bsky.social @cmchenderson.bsky.social @brianneknadeau.bsky.social
June 3, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Thank you to the Councilmembers who voted for #AccessToJustice as a top budget priority! Far too many DC residents will need legal help navigating the changes ahead. @chmnmendelson.bsky.social @anitabondsdc.bsky.social @robertwhitedc.bsky.social @cmchenderson.bsky.social @brianneknadeau.bsky.social
New @citycastdc.bsky.social story shows what’s at stake if cuts to youth behav health aren’t reversed. We’re so grateful for @cmchenderson.bsky.social's work to minimize disruption to care – yet we know there still won’t be enough $ to ensure access at all schools. dc.citycast.fm/news/dc-budg...
As D.C. Weighs Budget Cuts, Families Fear Loss of Youth Mental Health Support - City Cast DC
Under the proposed budget, D.C.'s sole mental health crisis team for kids would be shuttered — part of a broader slate of cuts that would also phase out the city’s contracts with a network of communit...
dc.citycast.fm
May 28, 2026 at 9:16 PM
New @citycastdc.bsky.social story shows what’s at stake if cuts to youth behav health aren’t reversed. We’re so grateful for @cmchenderson.bsky.social's work to minimize disruption to care – yet we know there still won’t be enough $ to ensure access at all schools. dc.citycast.fm/news/dc-budg...
We appreciate the work the Cmtee on Human Services+Housing did to fund 38 NEW housing vouchers for families exiting RRH in the FY27 budget. While an important step, we agree w the Cmtees that it is only a fraction of what is needed to prevent DC children from experiencing eviction and homelessness.
May 21, 2026 at 4:18 PM
We appreciate the work the Cmtee on Human Services+Housing did to fund 38 NEW housing vouchers for families exiting RRH in the FY27 budget. While an important step, we agree w the Cmtees that it is only a fraction of what is needed to prevent DC children from experiencing eviction and homelessness.
Special thanks to @cmfrumin.bsky.social for preserving DC’s truancy pilot! In its first 2 years, the program supported hundreds of students and we are seeing results. 71% of students in the program last year improved their attendance and were not truant this year!
Excited Baby Cheers 'LET'S GOOOOOOO!' at Game
ALT: Excited Baby Cheers 'LET'S GOOOOOOO!' at Game
static.klipy.com
May 21, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Special thanks to @cmfrumin.bsky.social for preserving DC’s truancy pilot! In its first 2 years, the program supported hundreds of students and we are seeing results. 71% of students in the program last year improved their attendance and were not truant this year!
👏🏿👏🏻👏🏽 Thank you @cmzparker5.bsky.social for securing funding for the SOUL Act in the FY27 budget! As you said today – this is a huge win. We look forward to young people having this new permanency option available to them.
![Graphic with a photo of Zachary Parker and a quote: "The reason why [SOUL] is inspiring and important, in addition to the fact that our young people authored it, is because it's putting more of our older youth within our child welfare agency on a path towards well-being and success." - Councilmember Zachary Parker](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yhvxllcgbdpfspk4b5p7cc4a/bafkreigygt4xtdomkgf7fqls2jwlddf5jv5xd3oxrkkqrffvwhqfrf2xjy)
May 20, 2026 at 9:19 PM
👏🏿👏🏻👏🏽 Thank you @cmzparker5.bsky.social for securing funding for the SOUL Act in the FY27 budget! As you said today – this is a huge win. We look forward to young people having this new permanency option available to them.
“This is a full circle moment… You all have been at the table for a long time, brainstorming, writing, giving feedback. You were there as we introduced the bill, you testified and advocated for it, and now you’re here to fund it.” TY @cmzparker5.bsky.social for your steadfast advocacy for SOUL.
May 18, 2026 at 5:37 PM
“This is a full circle moment… You all have been at the table for a long time, brainstorming, writing, giving feedback. You were there as we introduced the bill, you testified and advocated for it, and now you’re here to fund it.” TY @cmzparker5.bsky.social for your steadfast advocacy for SOUL.
DC's #AccessToJustice Initiative faces an 86% cut in the proposed FY27 budget. Last year, these funds helped us reach 1000's of children and families, including Danny. With our support, Danny has an IEP that meets his needs, and his mom credits our work in building confidence for her own advocacy.
May 15, 2026 at 3:50 PM
DC's #AccessToJustice Initiative faces an 86% cut in the proposed FY27 budget. Last year, these funds helped us reach 1000's of children and families, including Danny. With our support, Danny has an IEP that meets his needs, and his mom credits our work in building confidence for her own advocacy.
Reposted by Children's Law Center
New: Bowser's budget includes big cuts/major changes to mental health services in schools.
Educators, parents and advocates are sounding the alarm, fearing the loss of the city's only mobile crisis response unit and other huge shifts impacting school clinicians:
wamu.org/story/26/05/...
Educators, parents and advocates are sounding the alarm, fearing the loss of the city's only mobile crisis response unit and other huge shifts impacting school clinicians:
wamu.org/story/26/05/...
Mayor Bowser's budget proposes sweeping changes to mental health services in D.C. schools, raising concerns
Bowser wants to bring school behavioral health services under a city agency to reduce costs. But many fear the disruptions will hurt students and overwhelm teachers.
wamu.org
May 14, 2026 at 4:35 PM
New: Bowser's budget includes big cuts/major changes to mental health services in schools.
Educators, parents and advocates are sounding the alarm, fearing the loss of the city's only mobile crisis response unit and other huge shifts impacting school clinicians:
wamu.org/story/26/05/...
Educators, parents and advocates are sounding the alarm, fearing the loss of the city's only mobile crisis response unit and other huge shifts impacting school clinicians:
wamu.org/story/26/05/...
NEW: @alexkoma.bsky.social dives into DBH’s plan to move school-based behavioral health & youth crisis response in-house – w/o the staffing or budget to do so effectively. Our policy attorney Leah Castelaz sums it up: “We are staring down the barrel of major disruption.” @chmnmendelson.bsky.social
D.C.'s mental health services for students could massively change under Mayor Muriel Bowser's budget proposal. But educators and advocates say her plans could rob students of vital resources.
Mayor Bowser's budget proposes sweeping changes to mental health services in D.C. schools, raising concerns
Bowser wants to bring school behavioral health services under a city agency to reduce costs. But many fear the disruptions will hurt students and overwhelm teachers.
buff.ly
May 14, 2026 at 3:01 PM
NEW: @alexkoma.bsky.social dives into DBH’s plan to move school-based behavioral health & youth crisis response in-house – w/o the staffing or budget to do so effectively. Our policy attorney Leah Castelaz sums it up: “We are staring down the barrel of major disruption.” @chmnmendelson.bsky.social
Yesterday we had a rare triple-threat panel at the CFSA budget oversight hearing📝🎤. Children's Law Center represents about half of the children currently in foster care — so we know how important it is that the key programs serving these youth are adequately funded. @cmzparker5.bsky.social
May 13, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Yesterday we had a rare triple-threat panel at the CFSA budget oversight hearing📝🎤. Children's Law Center represents about half of the children currently in foster care — so we know how important it is that the key programs serving these youth are adequately funded. @cmzparker5.bsky.social
Reposted by Children's Law Center
Last week, we delivered 1,000 postcards from DC residents to the Wilson Building to remind Council that TANF is still a lifeline.
Despite the program’s proven role in reducing hardship & supporting well-being, DC lawmakers approved TANF cuts.
Learn more: loom.ly/8RquEYE
Despite the program’s proven role in reducing hardship & supporting well-being, DC lawmakers approved TANF cuts.
Learn more: loom.ly/8RquEYE
May 11, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Last week, we delivered 1,000 postcards from DC residents to the Wilson Building to remind Council that TANF is still a lifeline.
Despite the program’s proven role in reducing hardship & supporting well-being, DC lawmakers approved TANF cuts.
Learn more: loom.ly/8RquEYE
Despite the program’s proven role in reducing hardship & supporting well-being, DC lawmakers approved TANF cuts.
Learn more: loom.ly/8RquEYE
We joined 100s of community members & legal org leaders to share why #AccesstoJustice matters. We urge Councilmember Brooke Pinto and the entire DC Council to fully fund the Initiative and protect legal services in the District. #dcciviljustice
Read our testimony: https://ow.ly/xh7q50YVPVB
Read our testimony: https://ow.ly/xh7q50YVPVB
May 6, 2026 at 9:26 PM
We joined 100s of community members & legal org leaders to share why #AccesstoJustice matters. We urge Councilmember Brooke Pinto and the entire DC Council to fully fund the Initiative and protect legal services in the District. #dcciviljustice
Read our testimony: https://ow.ly/xh7q50YVPVB
Read our testimony: https://ow.ly/xh7q50YVPVB
Children’s Law Center is proud to co-sponsor candidate forums next week with the Council for Court Excellence and dozens of partner organizations. Join us to hear where the mayoral and congressional candidates stand on public safety, justice and DC’s future.
RSVP here: https://ow.ly/Q2QG50YP7B5
RSVP here: https://ow.ly/Q2QG50YP7B5
April 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Children’s Law Center is proud to co-sponsor candidate forums next week with the Council for Court Excellence and dozens of partner organizations. Join us to hear where the mayoral and congressional candidates stand on public safety, justice and DC’s future.
RSVP here: https://ow.ly/Q2QG50YP7B5
RSVP here: https://ow.ly/Q2QG50YP7B5
NEW: Parents, teachers, school leaders & community members call on DC leaders to preserve access to school-based behavioral health & youth crisis response services. The message is clear: We fear our children are going to fall through the cracks of DBH’s plan.
childrenslawcenter.org/FY27Letter
childrenslawcenter.org/FY27Letter
April 23, 2026 at 8:25 PM
NEW: Parents, teachers, school leaders & community members call on DC leaders to preserve access to school-based behavioral health & youth crisis response services. The message is clear: We fear our children are going to fall through the cracks of DBH’s plan.
childrenslawcenter.org/FY27Letter
childrenslawcenter.org/FY27Letter
Marea. Dayar. Princess. Justice. These are just four of the dozens of former and current foster youth who are paving a new legal pathway to help others exit care into permanency. They worked to develop the SOUL Act over more than two years – and are now advocating to get it past the finish line.
April 22, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Marea. Dayar. Princess. Justice. These are just four of the dozens of former and current foster youth who are paving a new legal pathway to help others exit care into permanency. They worked to develop the SOUL Act over more than two years – and are now advocating to get it past the finish line.
Reposted by Children's Law Center
DC lawmakers should reverse the cuts to TANF to avoid pushing children deeper into poverty and hardship. Our latest report spotlights insights from mothers who have participated in TANF. dcfpi.org/all/punitive...
Punitive TANF Policies Will Push DC Families with Children Deeper Into Hardship | DC Fiscal Policy Institute
This report draws on participants’ voices and lived experiences to analyze the efficacy of DC’s TANF program and highlight the barriers that limit pathways to upward mobility
dcfpi.org
April 22, 2026 at 5:20 PM
DC lawmakers should reverse the cuts to TANF to avoid pushing children deeper into poverty and hardship. Our latest report spotlights insights from mothers who have participated in TANF. dcfpi.org/all/punitive...
More young people in DC are leaving foster care with stable housing thanks to recent changes, but delays are still putting some youth at risk of homelessness. @streetsensedc.bsky.social shines a light on why getting foster youth connected to FUP vouchers * quickly* matters. https://ow.ly/CITH50YH73P
Street Sense Media: After reforms to D.C.'s foster youth voucher process, more people leave care for stable housing - Children’s Law Center
Katie Doran from Street Sense Media reports on the availability and utilization of Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers by youth aging out of foster
ow.ly
April 10, 2026 at 4:05 PM
More young people in DC are leaving foster care with stable housing thanks to recent changes, but delays are still putting some youth at risk of homelessness. @streetsensedc.bsky.social shines a light on why getting foster youth connected to FUP vouchers * quickly* matters. https://ow.ly/CITH50YH73P