Call Us at: 954-765-8950 | Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Call Us at: 954-765-8950 | Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

Children & Education

Areas of Legal Service

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 Focus

  • Ensuring children’s rights, benefits, and services entitled under state and federal law
  • Protecting children who are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment
  • Representing youth facing the juvenile justice system and/or civil welfare system
  • Representing children facing education rights issues
  • Protecting children in foster care and Kinship Families
  • Collaborating with community partners for service referrals

Juvenile Justice System and Civil Welfare System

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.

Education

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 

Children in Foster Care

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

Kinship Rights

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

Eligibility

  • Broward County resident
  • For eligibility questions call 954.765.8950

Intake

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