Mission  - The Youth Law Center is a public interest law firm that works to protect children in the nation's foster care and juvenile justice systems from abuse and neglect, and to ensure that they receive the necessary support and services to become healthy and productive adults.

Since 1978, our lawyers have worked across the United States to reduce the use of out-of-home care and incarceration; ensure safe and humane conditions in out-of home placements; keep children out of adult jails; and secure equitable treatment for children in both systems.

Our efforts have focused on strengthening families, and we advocate for education, medical and mental health, legal support, and transition services needed to assure children's success in care and in the community. We fight for increased accountability of the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, and champion professional and public education.

We are proud of our results. Because of our work hundreds of thousands of children in this country have enjoyed better treatment, improved living conditions, and services that helped them to grow into healthy, productive adults.