Mission: To promote and protect the legal rights and interests of poor children who are dependent upon the judicial, child welfare, health and mental health, education and juvenile justice systems for their care. Through outreach and collaborative programs, the center serves thousands of children each year, providing the legal advocacy needed to give these children a chance to live healthy and productive lives. Interdisciplinary approaches contribute immensely to the understanding of children’s issues, and the center is committed to working in partnership with experts and policy analysts to develop appropriate solutions that meet the complex challenges of the systems poor children are dependent upon.
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Background: The Center for Children’s Advocacy (CCA) was founded in 1997 by attorneys Martha Stone, Katherine Emmett and John Brittain. With an operating budget of $2,000, the organization’s first office was a small room over the boiler room at University of Connecticut School of Law. CCA now has nine attorneys on staff and offices in Hartford, Bridgeport and Stamford.
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About Our Programs:
Child Abuse and Neglect: The Child Abuse Project provides legal representation for children who have been abused and neglected. Attorneys closely monitor the child’s progress, putting necessary services in place and seeking court intervention when necessary.
Immigrants and Refugees: New Arrivals Advocacy: CCA partners with Hartford’s Jubilee House and hospitals and community health centers throughout greater Hartford to improve the healthcare and education of our growing immigrant population.
Medical-Legal Partnership: CCA’s medical-legal collaborative improves the health and welfare of low-income children and their families. Proactive legal assistance is provided in a health care setting to make services easily accessible.
Juvenile Justice: CCA’s TeamChild Juvenile Justice program is a collaboration with the Hartford Juvenile Public Defender’s Office. Together, CCA and the Public Defender’s Office improve outcomes for children in the juvenile justice system.
Teen Legal Advocacy: Complex issues including abuse at home, homelessness, unmet educational needs or immigration issues keep teens from taking full advantage of educational opportunities available to them. CCA helps resolve these issues so teens can stay in school.
Truancy Prevention: The Center’s Truancy Prevention Project works to reduce Hartford’s high dropout rate. The program is a collaboration between CCA and community partners.
Systemic Advocacy: CCA identifies systemic issues through individual cases. Changes in policy and/or legislation helps ensure that the best interests of Connecticut’s children are foremost in the decision making process of state systems.
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Major Fundraiser: The Center’s first fundraiser was held in May, 2010. Tapas & Tastings, held at Barca Restaurant in Hartford, attracted over 200 attendees and raised substantial funds to support the Center’s work with the most needy and vulnerable children. The event included a presentation by some of the youth the Center represents; and Center for Children’s Advocacy Champion of Children awards to professionals who dedicate their time to the support of youth.
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Volunteer Needs: Volunteers are needed each year for coordination of the Center’s Annual Appeal. To volunteer in late November or early December, please call Meshie Knight at 860-570-5327.
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Leadership
Martha Stone, JD, Executive Director
Jay Sicklick, JD, Deputy Director
Mario Borelli, JD, Board Chair
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Contact Information
65 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105
860-570-5327
www.kidscounsel.org
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