Mission: The Children’s Law Center of Connecticut strives to protect the interest of poor children in family court by providing high quality legal services, and to advocate policies that advance the well-being and best interest of children.
Background: In November of 1992, a six-year-old girl was shot and killed by her father during a court-ordered supervised visitation session in the office of the Child Protection Council of Northeastern Connecticut. From this tragedy arose a coalition of professionals and parents united to examine how our legal system failed this child, to prevent such a horror from recurring. Ultimately, the group identified the need for children to have their own advocate in highly contested family court cases. The Children’s Law Center of Connecticut opened in 1993 in a storefront in Willimantic and has grown to serve nearly 2,500 children through its combined programs today. The Children’s Law Center of Connecticut is comprised of four programs:
Legal representation in family court to children at risk due to parental conflict or unfitness. Children from families with incomes at 125% of the federal guidelines for poverty qualify for court-appointed attorneys.
Children’s Law Line (1-866-LAW-DOOR), a free help-line that answers legal questions, and gives advice, information and referrals to those with concerns about children or to children themselves.
Families in Transition family mediation service, designed to help low- and limited-income parents reach agreements without resorting to harmful litigation.
Advocacy, promoting professional development in the legal community regarding the representation of children and monitoring legislative initiatives related to children and family law.
The programs are unique and unduplicated by any in the state. Funding is provided through a variety of sources, including the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, grants from area foundations, individual donors, events, fees for services and the State of Connecticut.
Major Fundraiser: “Working on a Dream”, annual celebration will take place on November 3rd from 5:30-7:30 pm at The Hartford Golf Club. For further information, please contact Alison Mundy, Director of Development, alison@clcct.org
Volunteer Needs: Please contact Alison Mundy, alison@clcct.org. We are looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming event in November, as well as for office and graphic design support.
Leadership:
Justine Rakich-Kelly, Executive Director
Bruce Clements, President, Board of Directors
Attorney Moy Ogilvie, Vice President
Attorney Debra Ruel, Secretary
Sheila S. Moses, CPA, Treasurer.
Contact information: 30 Arbor St., Hartford, CT 06106
860-232-9993; www.clcct.org
