The Foster Children’s Adoption Program works to finalize hundreds of foster children’s adoptions each year. Many of these adoptions are finalized through the Adoption Day Program, which was started by The Alliance and is now a National model to promote foster care adoption.

Pro bono attorneys have the opportunity to take on cases representing adoptive parents in finalizing their foster child's adoption by completing their adoption finalization documents and representing them at the adoption finalization hearing.

Adoption cases require a time commitment of approximately 10 hours over a period of two-to-three months, and pro bono attorneys are trained on adoption finalization.

If you have questions, or would like more information about Adoption pro bono work, please contact Diego Cartagena, Esq. at (213) 368-6010 x 127.

Appropriate benefits are routinely denied, largely because of improper or inadequate assessments of a child's special needs. The Children's Court Program provides the help our clients need to access appropriate benefits and resolve difficult legal issues. For families dealing with a host of concerns ranging from providing 24-hour care for a severely disabled child to securing a special wheelchair for a young girl with a heart defect, the assistance received by The Alliance can be the difference between the success and failure of their children and their family.

Through our on-site office inside the Edelman Children's Court, we offer direct and pro bono representation for an increasing number of clients each year, as well as invaluable trainings and resource materials. In addition, this program offers advocacy and outreach to severely at-risk populations including emancipating youth, pregnant and parenting teens and gay, lesbian and questioning youth. It also acts as a critical referral mechanism, often helping families access other services offered by The Alliance. Through these individual cases, we have helped recognize trends in the child welfare system of Los Angeles County that are in need of broader reform.

If you have questions, or would like more information about Foster Care Pro Bono work, please contact Diego Cartagena, Esq. at (213) 368-6010 x 127.

The Special Education Program assists foster children with disabilities in accessing the appropriate educational placements and support services. Local school districts are under a mandate to provide each special education student with a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”) tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

Children in foster care with disabilities face unique challenges within the special education system. Their background of abuse and neglect increase their chances for learning disabilities, emotional problems and developmental delays. Furthermore, their frequent changes in home and school placements make it nearly impossible for them to have accurate records, up-to-date assessments, or adequate educational programs.

Many foster children are in desperate need of advocacy to ensure that they have appropriate educational programs. Pro bono attorneys have the opportunity to represent children in obtaining an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Special Education cases require a time commitment of approximately 15-25 hours over a period of three months, and pro bono attorneys are trained in special education advocacy.

If you have questions, or would like more information about Special Education Pro Bono work, please contact Diego Cartagena, Esq. at (213) 368-6010 x 127.

Every year over 1,500 youth “age out” of the Los Angeles foster care system without the support system of a family or parents to help them transition into adulthood. Of the many obstacles these youth face, untangling outstanding legal barriers is a vital first step.

Through The Alliance’s NextSTEP Program, which focuses on the transitioning youth population, pro bono attorneys can help youth overcome barriers by presenting information at on-site legal clinics to residents of Transitional Housing Programs throughout Los Angeles County. The wide variety of topics includes identity theft, tenants’ rights, income tax preparation, accessing public benefits, buying or leasing a car, sealing juvenile records, clearing tickets and warrants, and understanding contracts.

Pro bono attorneys also have the opportunity to provide these youth with direct representation and advocacy on specific cases. Such advocacy ranges from transactional work to representation at administrative and/or court hearings.

Next Step also offers a Mentoring Program for former foster youth seeking a supportive adult to help them as they transition into adulthood and independent living. Mentors can empower youth to make better life choices, help them achieve academic success, embark on career exploration, and attain personal goals.

If you have questions, or would like more information about NextSTEP & Mentoring Pro Bono work, please contact Diego Cartagena, Esq. at (213) 368-6010 x 127.

The Guardianship Program represents the more than 300,000 children in Los Angeles County living with non-parent caregivers. Guardianship not only affords the caregivers legal authority over a child’s educational and medical welfare and allows them access to available financial benefits, it provides vital emotional and physical security to children who are in desperate need of a stable, caring placement.

Pro bono attorneys assist caregivers in completing guardianship paperwork and represent the caregivers at their guardianship hearings. Cases are extensively screened and all information necessary for completion of the guardianship case is acquired prior to placement by The Alliance.

All guardianship matters placed with pro bono attorneys are uncontested, unless otherwise requested by attorney.

Guardianship cases typically require a time commitment of approximately 10–15 hours over a period of two-to-three months, and pro bono attorneys are trained on guardianship matters.

If you have questions, or would like more information about Guardianship Pro Bono work, please contact Diego Cartagena, Esq. at (213) 368-6010 x 127.