In the News

From The Imprint

3/14/24: Our On the Threshold of Change report is referenced in this article about connecting young adults in foster care with more resources and fewer strings attached.
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In the News

From The Imprint

2/29/24: Check out this article to learn more about Youth Law Center's voting rights advocacy work in support of system-impacted youth of voting age.
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In the News

From The Commercial Appeal

2/21/24: Check out this article to learn more about Youth Law Center's advocacy work in Tennessee, in partnership with Disability Rights Tennessee, to ensure children and youth in the state's juvenile justice system have access to family, community, and the supports they need to thrive.
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In the News

From the National Press Foundation

2/12/24: Policies Steer Foster Care Youth Toward a Traumatic Future. "For too many youth in foster care, the path from foster care only leads to another traumatic destination: the juvenile justice system."
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In the News

From the Washington Post

Opinion 2/8/24: When foster care ends 18-year-olds still need support. "The most vulnerable young adults in the country deserve more."
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Report

On the Threshold of Change

Read the new report and watch the companion film here
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Report

Advancing the Rights of Children and Youth

Read our 2023 Impact Report.
Read About Our Impact

Our Mission

The Youth Law Center advocates to transform foster care and juvenile justice systems across the nation so every child and youth can thrive.

We advocate for children as if they are our own

Our values are guided by:

KNOWLEDGE of the law, research and the facts on the ground.

INTEGRITY to do what is best for our clients regardless of financial or social consequences to ourselves, and to be deserving of the trust of our supporters and clients.

COMMITMENT to pursue solutions urgently and relentlessly.

RESPECT for the individuality of children and families and their potential to thrive, and respect for the efforts of those who strive to serve them.

About YLC

We advocate for truly child-focused systems

Our work aims to ensure children are not only protected from harm and dangerous conditions, but also receive the support, opportunities and love they need to grow up healthy and happy. For decades we have led the field to transform systems to be truly child-focused and research informed through litigation, policy reform, media advocacy, collaborative system change projects, training and advice, and public education.

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Action Begins with Information

The Youth Law Center is committed to sharing advocacy resources, information, and tools that can improve the quality of life and opportunities for youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Our goal is to strengthen the field through knowledge, and increase the impact of those who are working on change for our children and youth.

There’s not a minute where children can afford not to be parented

Justice for children is in loving parenting. When children are not with family, there must be a sense of urgency to ensure they are receiving the love, nurturing and support every child needs and deserves. Join us in fighting for justice for children and youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.

  • “When I was in a group home I was taught to believe that there was no one who would be willing to take care of me as a parent. That this group home was all I had. I have accomplished a lot since then. I’d give EVERYTHING up if I could go back and have some real family. If I could have parents.”

    Sade Daniels, Foster Care Activist, Spoken Word Artist, Former Foster Youth