The ABA is recognized as a leader in addressing the legal needs of vulnerable populations, including homeless youth. Lawyers play a critical role in improving outcomes for homeless youth by enforcing existing laws as well as advancing new policy and removing legal barriers to benefits, education, employment, health care, housing, identification, treatment and services. In an effort to increase legal services for this vulnerable population, the ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty, Commission on Youth at Risk, and Section of Litigation Children’s Rights Litigation Committee announced today the official launch of the ABA Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN). HYLN is designed to serve:
- Homeless youth seeking legal assistance
- Service providers working with homeless youth
- Lawyers seeking training or technical assistance
In the past, finding free legal assistance for youth experiencing homelessness has been a challenge, but we are heartened by the number of innovative legal assistance programs springing up around the country, such as the following:
- Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services (ALWAYS), Arizona
- Bay Area Legal Aid, California
- Community Legal Services of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania
- Family & Youth Law Center at Capital University School of Law, Ohio
- Homeless Persons Representation Project, Maryland
- Homeless Youth Legal Clinic, Utah
- Center for Children's Advocacy, Connecticut
- Legal Counsel for Youth and Children , Washington
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Youth Law Project, Minnesota
- Pegasus Legal Services for Children, New Mexico
- The Door, New York
- Urban Justice, Peter Cicchino Youth Project, New York
