Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC) has been awarded $3 million over three years by Ballmer Group. The investment will expand access to legal aid for youth experiencing homelessness and youth impacted by the child welfare system in Washington State. Funds will also support systemic advocacy efforts to elevate much-needed services and support to young people and to continue improving holistic children’s representation statewide.
This award aligns with several statewide initiatives and addresses significant gaps in the availability of legal aid for young people in Washington State. The recent passage of House Bill 1219 (2021), which guarantees youth right to counsel in dependency cases, Senate Bill 6560 (2018), which aims to ensure that no youth is discharged from a public system of care into homelessness, and A Way Home Washington’s Anchor Community Initiative, a movement to end youth homelessness, are all catalysts to expand access to legal support for youth.
LCYC was founded in 2010 to provide holistic legal services to youth. LCYC began in King County, representing youth in child welfare proceedings at a time when there was no statewide right to counsel. “Now is an opportune moment to grow holistic legal services for youth, providing greater access to justice to increase safety and stability for young people, as defined by young people. We are grateful to Ballmer Group for this transformational gift, which will allow LCYC to scale our holistic model of representation and increase coordinated systemic advocacy efforts,” said Erin Lovell, Executive Director of LCYC.
By pairing its child welfare and youth homelessness work, LCYC will meet a wide variety of legal needs experienced by youth across multiple systems. The expanded footprint will allow LCYC to reach young people who historically have not had access to legal support, especially youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth who are disproportionately impacted by homelessness and the child welfare system.
“We are thrilled to support LCYC in their effort to expand access to justice for youth, which can also help to prevent and reduce youth homelessness and provide access to safety for youth impacted by the child welfare system. LCYC’s community-based approach, engagement in multi-disciplinary teams, and expertise and advocacy across multiple legal systems is unique in Washington, and nationwide. We are excited to see the positive changes LCYC will push forward,” said Andi Smith, Executive Director of Ballmer Group – Washington.
Please visit LCYC’s blog or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on this expansion effort.
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Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC) protects the interests and safety of youth in Washington by advancing their legal rights. LCYC’s mission is accomplished through direct legal representation, strong community partnerships, and systemic advocacy.
Contact: Emily Meltzer, Director of Development & Communications
emily@lcycwa.org, 206-406-3069