Children & Education

Legal Aid Service of Broward County gives a voice to children in our community by providing free legal representation to income-eligible residents of Broward County. In helping children overcome different obstacles, and improving their access to education, foster care services, healthcare, and housing, we ensure that they have the support they need to live successful and productive lives.

Our Law Project provides free legal representation to youth in danger of entering or already within the juvenile justice and/or civil welfare systems. We work towards bridging the gap between the juvenile system and the community, effectively reducing juvenile court involvement and improving access to education, healthcare, and housing. Our strong relationships with social service networks allow us to provide legal education resources and training to the community.

Our Education Legal Rights Project (ELRP) defends the right to education by providing free legal assistance to children in our community. This includes protecting students with learning, physical, mental, or emotional disabilities – or any other disabling conditions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), with needs not being met by the school system. Areas of assistance include: 

• Timely school testing, IDEA eligibility determinations, and proper placement
• Representation of students at Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings
• Representation at due process hearings
• Referrals to outside social service organizations 

Funded by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, our Legal Supports Project provides free legal counseling and representation to children and youth in foster care. When appropriate, we advocate for reunifications with biological parents, permanent guardianships, or adoptions.

• Appropriate placement and services while in foster care
• Assistance exiting foster care into a permanent living situation as quickly as possible
• Assistance transitioning into independent living as the youth come of age

Funded by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, our Kinship Project provides free legal assistance to eligible relatives and non-relative caregivers raising children in Broward County.

• Stablishing a stable placement
• Temporary custody for qualifying families
• Petitions for guardianships and adoptions
• Advanced directives, wills, living wills and trusts
• Public benefits; Immigration

• Broward County resident
• For eligibility questions call 954.765.8950

• Education Legal Rights Project: 954.736.2413
• Kinship Rights: 954.736.2430
• Law-Line (Delinquency/Dependency): 954.318.4531

• General Brochure
• Law-Line Brochure
• Education Legal Rights Brochure
• Kinship & Foster Care Brochure

Foster Care

• ChildNet
• Henderson (case management and mental health)
• Public Bus system
• Tri-Rail Train

Education

• Agency for Person with Disabilities
• Broward County Schools
• Broward College
• Broward County Sheriff Arrest Search
• Court information and self-help forms
• Family Network on Disabilities of Florida
• FL Department of Corrections Offender Search
• Florida Children First
• Kids In Distress
• State Department of Education
• The Casey Foundation
• WrightsLaw Special Education Law Resources

Juvenile Justice and Civil Welfare

• 211 – First Call for Help
• Covenant House runaway shelter and information
• Department of Juvenile Justice
• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

General

• Broward County
• Department of Children and Families
• Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Driver’s License Information
• Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program