Childrens Legal Services of San Diego

WHO WE ARE
Children’s Legal Services of San Diego, Inc. (CLSSD) protects and defends the rights of children and youth in the child welfare system through high-quality and compassionate legal representation. CLSSD is a non-profit, interdisciplinary organization that consists of four law firms with teams of attorneys and investigators that provide our vulnerable clients with zealous advocacy in and out of court.  

CLSSD was founded in 2016 to provide legal representation for all foster youth in juvenile dependency courtrooms throughout San Diego County. Our attorneys are court appointed to represent children and youth both as attorney for the children as well as being their guardian ad litem. CLSSD investigators assist attorneys with independent investigation and monitoring of the clients' safety and needs. Our team advocate for clients’ interests and wishes in all hearings and secure court orders necessary to ensure appropriate services for foster youth.  

WHAT IS “MINOR’S COUNSEL”?
A court appointed attorney who represents children and youth in the foster care system, holding a dual role as their counsel and guardian ad litem.

Counsel: They must be certified in juvenile dependency law. These highly trained attorneys ensure their clients wishes are heard and protect their client’s rights to safety, family and stability.

Guardian Ad Litem: They must protect and advocate for their client’s best interest at all times.

OUR CLIENTS RANGE FROM CHILDREN AND YOUTH AGES 0-21 
All of our clients are alleged to be or have been found to be a child described by Welfare and Institutions Code Section 300(a)-(j). Most of the code sections require proof that the child or youth has suffered harm or that there is a substantial risk that they will suffer harm. Clients include:

• Newborn babies born drug-exposed
• School-aged children who suffered physical or sexual abuse by a parent
• Transition age youth working to overcome the trauma they suffered due to abuse or neglect while they prepare for independence in adulthood

OUR TEAM ADVOCATES FOR
Our highly trained attorneys are tireless advocates for this vulnerable population, guiding them through the complicated and overwhelming foster care system and the accompanying dependency court process. Appearing at every hearing, often with their young client beside them in the courtroom, the child’s attorney is in the court speaking exclusively on behalf of the child, ensuring their needs are met, such as:

OUR ATTORNEYS IMPROVE A CHILD’S LIFE BY MITIGATING TRAUMA