Email Us: info@child-justice.org
Our Process
Are you looking for help with your custody case or trying to seek a protective order?
Request Legal Assistance
Child Justice provides legal assistance to non-offending protective parents in Maryland, and beyond, where there is documented child abuse, neglect, and/or interpersonal violence (IPV) to which a child has been exposed.
We may provide information and referral, brief advice, consultation, technical assistance to attorneys, pro bono placement, or direct representation in protective order, family law cases, and related matters.
We are unable to provide legal advice or assistance to out-of-state protective parents, but will attempt to direct individuals to resources in their state. Child Justice is limited in its capacity to provide direct representation in protective order and family law cases and regrettably cannot take on all deserving cases presented by protective parents.
If you would like to be considered for representation or other legal assistance from the Child Justice legal team, you must fill out our web form which asks for basic information to allow us to conduct a conflict check. Click on the “Request Legal Assistance” link to access the form. Once the web form is submitted, you will be contacted by someone from our intake team who will acknowledge receipt of your submission.
Child Justice aims to provide some level of legal services to all protective parents with documented cases of child abuse/neglect or IPV exposure. However, direct representation in family law cases and protective order matters can become quite complex when allegations of abuse are involved. Therefore, we simply are unable to accept all requests for direct representation in family law litigation. If we determine that we can represent you, we will send you a Letter of Engagement that outlines the scope of services and any representation for you to review with a CJI attorney. All services are provided free of charge.
NOTE: Child Justice will not take any actions on your behalf until there is a completed intake form and fully executed engagement letter on file. You remain responsible for all actions related to your case until an engagement letter has been executed.
In some circumstances, we may reach out to private practitioners or larger law firms to try to place your case for pro bono assistance. If your case is accepted by a private attorney or firm, you will receive and sign a Letter of Engagement, or retainer agreement, with that practitioner or law firm. All services are provided free of charge. Child Justice will work with the pro bono placement to provide support to the protective parent and may provide technical support or co-counsel in certain cases.
If there is no conflict in providing you legal assistance and it appears that your legal issue falls within our case priorities, the intake team will send you resource materials and an intake form which must be completed by you. It is important that you read the instructions carefully and fill out the form completely. If you are requesting assistance in any type of case other than a protective order, you will need to have the intake form and case narrative notarized before submitting to Child Justice.
You are responsible for taking all actions related to your case while your application for services is under review. You must ensure that case deadlines and filing requirements are met. Time requirements and deadlines are case specific so you must take care to review and abide by all court notices you receive in your case.
The Child Justice intake team will review the intake form and all materials you submit for consideration. If your case falls within our case acceptance considerations and we have capacity to assist you, our intake team will set up a time for an assessment call and may request further documentation or authorizations to contact third parties. We will assess your case and determine what legal services we may be able to offer to you and communicate that to you. Depending on the status of the case, and the complexity of the issues, it may take weeks or months for CJI to complete our assessment.
You may find further legal information or assistance by clicking the following links:
- People's Law Library of Maryland
- Maryland Courts Self-Help Centers
- Maryland Special Court of Appeals
If you have any questions, you may leave a message for our intake team by calling (240) 559-7037.
Our Process
Are you looking for help with your custody case or trying to seek a protective order?
Child Justice provides legal assistance to non-offending protective parents in Maryland, and beyond, where there is documented child abuse, neglect, and/or interpersonal violence (IPV) to which a child has been exposed.
We may provide information and referral, brief advice, consultation, technical assistance to attorneys, pro bono placement, or direct representation in protective order, family law cases, and related matters.
We are unable to provide legal advice or assistance to out-of-state protective parents, but will attempt to direct individuals to resources in their state. Child Justice is limited in its capacity to provide direct representation in protective order and family law cases and regrettably cannot take on all deserving cases presented by protective parents.
Request Legal Assistance
If you would like to be considered for representation or other legal assistance from the Child Justice legal team, you must fill out our web form which asks for basic information to allow us to conduct a conflict check. Click on the “Request Legal Assistance” link to access the form. Once the web form is submitted, you will be contacted by someone from our intake team who will acknowledge receipt of your submission.
If there is no conflict in providing you legal assistance and it appears that your legal issue falls within our case priorities, the intake team will send you resource materials and an intake form which must be completed by you. It is important that you read the instructions carefully and fill out the form completely. If you are requesting assistance in any type of case other than a protective order, you will need to have the intake form and case narrative notarized before submitting to Child Justice.
The Child Justice intake team will review the intake form and all materials you submit for consideration. If your case falls within our case acceptance considerations and we have capacity to assist you, our intake team will set up a time for an assessment call and may request further documentation or authorizations to contact third parties. We will assess your case and determine what legal services we may be able to offer to you and communicate that to you. Depending on the status of the case, and the complexity of the issues, it may take weeks or months for CJI to complete our assessment.
Child Justice aims to provide some level of legal services to all protective parents with documented cases of child abuse/neglect or IPV exposure. However, direct representation in family law cases and protective order matters can become quite complex when allegations of abuse are involved. Therefore, we simply are unable to accept all requests for direct representation in family law litigation. If we determine that we can represent you, we will send you a Letter of Engagement that outlines the scope of services and any representation for you to review with a CJI attorney. All services are provided free of charge.
NOTE: Child Justice will not take any actions on your behalf until there is a completed intake form and fully executed engagement letter on file. You remain responsible for all actions related to your case until an engagement letter has been executed.
In some circumstances, we may reach out to private practitioners or larger law firms to try to place your case for pro bono assistance. If your case is accepted by a private attorney or firm, you will receive and sign a Letter of Engagement, or retainer agreement, with that practitioner or law firm. All services are provided free of charge. Child Justice will work with the pro bono placement to provide support to the protective parent and may provide technical support or co-counsel in certain cases.
You are responsible for taking all actions related to your case while your application for services is under review. You must ensure that case deadlines and filing requirements are met. Time requirements and deadlines are case specific so you must take care to review and abide by all court notices you receive in your case.
You may find further legal information or assistance by clicking the following links:
- People's Law Library of Maryland
- Maryland Courts Self-Help Centers
- Maryland Special Court of Appeals
If you have any questions, you may leave a message for our intake team by calling (240) 559-7037.
Our Process
Are you looking for help with your custody case or trying to seek a protective order?
Child Justice provides legal assistance to non-offending protective parents in Maryland, and beyond, where there is documented child abuse, neglect, and/or interpersonal violence (IPV) to which a child has been exposed.
We may provide information and referral, brief advice, consultation, technical assistance to attorneys, pro bono placement, or direct representation in protective order, family law cases, and related matters.
We are unable to provide legal advice or assistance to out-of-state protective parents, but will attempt to direct individuals to resources in their state. Child Justice is limited in its capacity to provide direct representation in protective order and family law cases and regrettably cannot take on all deserving cases presented by protective parents.
Request Legal Assistance
If you would like to be considered for representation or other legal assistance from the Child Justice legal team, you must fill out our web form which asks for basic information to allow us to conduct a conflict check. Click on the “Request Legal Assistance” link to access the form. Once the web form is submitted, you will be contacted by someone from our intake team who will acknowledge receipt of your submission.
If there is no conflict in providing you legal assistance and it appears that your legal issue falls within our case priorities, the intake team will send you resource materials and an intake form which must be completed by you. It is important that you read the instructions carefully and fill out the form completely. If you are requesting assistance in any type of case other than a protective order, you will need to have the intake form and case narrative notarized before submitting to Child Justice.
The Child Justice intake team will review the intake form and all materials you submit for consideration. If your case falls within our case acceptance considerations and we have capacity to assist you, our intake team will set up a time for an assessment call and may request further documentation or authorizations to contact third parties. We will assess your case and determine what legal services we may be able to offer to you and communicate that to you. Depending on the status of the case, and the complexity of the issues, it may take weeks or months for CJI to complete our assessment.
Child Justice aims to provide some level of legal services to all protective parents with documented cases of child abuse/neglect or IPV exposure. However, direct representation in family law cases and protective order matters can become quite complex when allegations of abuse are involved. Therefore, we simply are unable to accept all requests for direct representation in family law litigation. If we determine that we can represent you, we will send you a Letter of Engagement that outlines the scope of services and any representation for you to review with a CJI attorney. All services are provided free of charge.
NOTE: Child Justice will not take any actions on your behalf until there is a completed intake form and fully executed engagement letter on file. You remain responsible for all actions related to your case until an engagement letter has been executed.
In some circumstances, we may reach out to private practitioners or larger law firms to try to place your case for pro bono assistance. If your case is accepted by a private attorney or firm, you will receive and sign a Letter of Engagement, or retainer agreement, with that practitioner or law firm. All services are provided free of charge. Child Justice will work with the pro bono placement to provide support to the protective parent and may provide technical support or co-counsel in certain cases.
You are responsible for taking all actions related to your case while your application for services is under review. You must ensure that case deadlines and filing requirements are met. Time requirements and deadlines are case specific so you must take care to review and abide by all court notices you receive in your case.
You may find further legal information or assistance by clicking the following links:
- People's Law Library of Maryland
- Maryland Courts Self-Help Centers
- Maryland Special Court of Appeals
If you have any questions, you may leave a message for our intake team by calling (240) 559-7037.
Our Process
Are you looking for help with your custody case or trying to seek a protective order?
Child Justice provides legal assistance to non-offending protective parents in Maryland, and beyond, where there is documented child abuse, neglect, and/or interpersonal violence (IPV) to which a child has been exposed.
We may provide information and referral, brief advice, consultation, technical assistance to attorneys, pro bono placement, or direct representation in protective order, family law cases, and related matters.
We are unable to provide legal advice or assistance to out-of-state protective parents, but will attempt to direct individuals to resources in their state. Child Justice is limited in its capacity to provide direct representation in protective order and family law cases and regrettably cannot take on all deserving cases presented by protective parents.
Request Legal Assistance
If you would like to be considered for representation or other legal assistance from the Child Justice legal team, you must fill out our web form which asks for basic information to allow us to conduct a conflict check. Click on the “Request Legal Assistance” link to access the form. Once the web form is submitted, you will be contacted by someone from our intake team who will acknowledge receipt of your submission.
If there is no conflict in providing you legal assistance and it appears that your legal issue falls within our case priorities, the intake team will send you resource materials and an intake form which must be completed by you. It is important that you read the instructions carefully and fill out the form completely. If you are requesting assistance in any type of case other than a protective order, you will need to have the intake form and case narrative notarized before submitting to Child Justice.
The Child Justice intake team will review the intake form and all materials you submit for consideration. If your case falls within our case acceptance considerations and we have capacity to assist you, our intake team will set up a time for an assessment call and may request further documentation or authorizations to contact third parties. We will assess your case and determine what legal services we may be able to offer to you and communicate that to you. Depending on the status of the case, and the complexity of the issues, it may take weeks or months for CJI to complete our assessment.
Child Justice aims to provide some level of legal services to all protective parents with documented cases of child abuse/neglect or IPV exposure. However, direct representation in family law cases and protective order matters can become quite complex when allegations of abuse are involved. Therefore, we simply are unable to accept all requests for direct representation in family law litigation. If we determine that we can represent you, we will send you a Letter of Engagement that outlines the scope of services and any representation for you to review with a CJI attorney. All services are provided free of charge.
NOTE: Child Justice will not take any actions on your behalf until there is a completed intake form and fully executed engagement letter on file. You remain responsible for all actions related to your case until an engagement letter has been executed.
In some circumstances, we may reach out to private practitioners or larger law firms to try to place your case for pro bono assistance. If your case is accepted by a private attorney or firm, you will receive and sign a Letter of Engagement, or retainer agreement, with that practitioner or law firm. All services are provided free of charge. Child Justice will work with the pro bono placement to provide support to the protective parent and may provide technical support or co-counsel in certain cases.
You are responsible for taking all actions related to your case while your application for services is under review. You must ensure that case deadlines and filing requirements are met. Time requirements and deadlines are case specific so you must take care to review and abide by all court notices you receive in your case.
You may find further legal information or assistance by clicking the following links:
- People's Law Library of Maryland
- Maryland Courts Self-Help Centers
- Maryland Special Court of Appeals
If you have any questions, you may leave a message for our intake team by calling (240) 559-7037.
Our Resources
Each year, family courts sentence 58,000 children to live with parents who are abusive, negligent or predatory. Hundreds of times a year, a child’s life ends at the hands of an abusive parent, an entirely preventable tragedy. Far too often this happens because our legal system, for a variety of reasons, isn’t equipped to identify, understand and adjudicate cases where domestic violence and child abuse are present. Child Justice works with protective mothers, protective fathers, and their children to prevent these tragedies. Our number one priority is the safety of children.
Below are a few stories from the families Child Justice has helped. To protect the identity of our clients, names and/or details of their cases may have been changed.
Jane's Children
"Lou' was verbally and physically abusive to his four children. After he separated from his children’s mother, “Jane,” they were understandably resistant to seeing him. But Lou was persistent—and so was his attorney. Lou’s attorney persuaded a judge to switch custody to him, then sent the children off to a “deprogramming” center in California. There, the center’s staff used various methods to pressure the children into believing that they had nothing to fear from their dad. The children remained strong in their support for their mother, but because Jane had no attorney and no money for an attorney, Lou retained custody. Child Justice found pro bono counsel for Jane, who successfully fought to win the children back. Today, Lou continues to harass and abuse his ex-wife in the courts by filing unnecessary motions. Meanwhile, Child Justice keeps watch over this dangerous situation while grateful in the knowledge that, without our intervention, Jane and Lou’s children would still be in grave mental and physical danger."Sandra's Sons
"Abused as a child, “Sandra” rebounded from one controlling marriage into another, having a child with each. The men presented serious problems: One abused Sandra’s son. Another was a long-time illegal drug user. Then Sandra’s worst nightmare came true: The fathers contacted one another, became friends and resolved to take the children away from her. For a time, they were successful. Then Child Justice intervened, finding Sandra pro bono counsel who helped her regain custody of her youngest son, and establish unsupervised visits with her older son. Sandra has now become an advocate for public policy changes in children’s rights law, frequently lobbying on Capitol Hill. And because abusers rarely stop, Child Justice continues to provide Sandra with emotional support and pro bono counsel for her case"Joshua & Matthew
"Despite a history of domestic violence against his ex-wife, “Amy,” “David” fought for and received custody of the couple’s two sons, “Joshua” and “Matthew.” While the children were in his care, David used a large, heavy barbecue spatula to beat Matthew, then 12 years old, on his buttocks, leaving enormous bruises. Yet Child Protective Services ruled out abuse, and Matthew remained with his father. David once beat Joshua so badly, he fractured his son’s nose and left bruises all over Joshua’s body. This time, David was arrested, charged and tried. But when Dan argued that he was using reasonable corporal punishment, the jury agreed and found him “not guilty.” At this point, Amy contacted Child Justice and was connected with pro bono counsel. Because of the tireless efforts of Child Justice, Amy regained custody of both children. Today, both children are thriving, and Joshua recently started college."Jessie
"Seven-year-old Jessie confided in her mother, Kathy, that the child’s father, Bob, was touching her inappropriately. Jessie recounted several instances where her father had made her undress or feel uncomfortable. Later, relatives and close friends relayed their own concerns about how Paul touched children and stroked their hair. Child Justice connected Kathy with pro bono counsel who fought for a protective order against Bob, and eventually succeeded in securing a ruling that Paul’s visits should be supervised. Luckily, Bob never fought for those visits. Today, all three of Bob and Kathy’s children are happy learners in school, volunteer in Guatemala over the summers, and are developing into strong, confident young people."Jill & James
"Alexis feared her husband Andrew was sexually abusing their daughter, Jill. One night, Jill’s brother James saw their father take his sister into the bathroom and lock the door, while Jill screamed and cried. Andrew’s abuse of James was of the physical kind. James once called the police after Andrew beat him up, but Andrew convinced the police his son was lying, and was never charged. The situation changed after Child Justice got involved. With the help of pro bono counsel, Andrew was only allowed to see the children he abused under supervision. After several months, he told the children he didn’t want to see them anymore and ceased contact. Today, things have changed dramatically for Jill and James, who are honors students at their colleges and young leaders who have begun to speak out against abuse and violence in their communities."Susie
"As a three year old, Susie was terrified of her father. She even indicated to her mother that something had happened to her private parts. Yet when contacted, Child Protective Services ruled out sexual abuse, and Susie’s father maintained visitation rights. Then Susie attended an assembly in which her classmates were told that if anything or anyone made them uncomfortable, they should tell a guidance counselor. Susie found a counselor and confided that her father had been touching her private parts. This time, CPS believed Susie. Susie’s mother, Abigail, successfully filed for and received a permanent restraining order against the father. Despite the father initially winning his appeal, Child Justice’s pro bono counsel fought hard and protected Susie. Today, free from contact with the person who violated and terrified her, Susie has blossomed in every way."
Testimonials
The stories behind the families that we help.
Each year, family courts sentence 58,000 children to live with parents who are abusive, negligent or predatory. Hundreds of times a year, a child’s life ends at the hands of an abusive parent, an entirely preventable tragedy. Far too often this happens because our legal system, for a variety of reasons, isn’t equipped to identify, understand and adjudicate cases where domestic violence and child abuse are present. Child Justice works with protective mothers, protective fathers, and their children to prevent these tragedies. Our number one priority is the safety of children.
Below are a few stories from the families Child Justice has helped. To protect the identity of our clients, names and/or details of their cases may have been changed.
Request Legal Assistance
Jane's Children
"'Lou' was verbally and physically abusive to his four children. After he separated from his children’s mother, “Jane,” they were understandably resistant to seeing him. But Lou was persistent—and so was his attorney. Lou’s attorney persuaded a judge to switch custody to him, then sent the children off to a “deprogramming” center in California. There, the center’s staff used various methods to pressure the children into believing that they had nothing to fear from their dad. The children remained strong in their support for their mother, but because Jane had no attorney and no money for an attorney, Lou retained custody. Child Justice found pro bono counsel for Jane, who successfully fought to win the children back. Today, Lou continues to harass and abuse his ex-wife in the courts by filing unnecessary motions. Meanwhile, Child Justice keeps watch over this dangerous situation while grateful in the knowledge that, without our intervention, Jane and Lou’s children would still be in grave mental and physical danger."Sandra's Sons
"Abused as a child, “Sandra” rebounded from one controlling marriage into another, having a child with each. The men presented serious problems: One abused Sandra’s son. Another was a long-time illegal drug user. Then Sandra’s worst nightmare came true: The fathers contacted one another, became friends and resolved to take the children away from her. For a time, they were successful. Then Child Justice intervened, finding Sandra pro bono counsel who helped her regain custody of her youngest son, and establish unsupervised visits with her older son. Sandra has now become an advocate for public policy changes in children’s rights law, frequently lobbying on Capitol Hill. And because abusers rarely stop, Child Justice continues to provide Sandra with emotional support and pro bono counsel for her case."Joshua & Matthew
"Despite a history of domestic violence against his ex-wife, “Amy,” “David” fought for and received custody of the couple’s two sons, “Joshua” and “Matthew.” While the children were in his care, David used a large, heavy barbecue spatula to beat Matthew, then 12 years old, on his buttocks, leaving enormous bruises. Yet Child Protective Services ruled out abuse, and Matthew remained with his father. David once beat Joshua so badly, he fractured his son’s nose and left bruises all over Joshua’s body. This time, David was arrested, charged and tried. But when Dan argued that he was using reasonable corporal punishment, the jury agreed and found him “not guilty.” At this point, Amy contacted Child Justice and was connected with pro bono counsel. Because of the tireless efforts of Child Justice, Amy regained custody of both children. Today, both children are thriving, and Joshua recently started college."Jessie
"Seven-year-old Jessie confided in her mother, Kathy, that the child’s father, Bob, was touching her inappropriately. Jessie recounted several instances where her father had made her undress or feel uncomfortable. Later, relatives and close friends relayed their own concerns about how Paul touched children and stroked their hair. Child Justice connected Kathy with pro bono counsel who fought for a protective order against Bob, and eventually succeeded in securing a ruling that Paul’s visits should be supervised. Luckily, Bob never fought for those visits. Today, all three of Bob and Kathy’s children are happy learners in school, volunteer in Guatemala over the summers, and are developing into strong, confident young people."Jill & James
"Alexis feared her husband Andrew was sexually abusing their daughter, Jill. One night, Jill’s brother James saw their father take his sister into the bathroom and lock the door, while Jill screamed and cried. Andrew’s abuse of James was of the physical kind. James once called the police after Andrew beat him up, but Andrew convinced the police his son was lying, and was never charged. The situation changed after Child Justice got involved. With the help of pro bono counsel, Andrew was only allowed to see the children he abused under supervision. After several months, he told the children he didn’t want to see them anymore and ceased contact. Today, things have changed dramatically for Jill and James, who are honors students at their colleges and young leaders who have begun to speak out against abuse and violence in their communities."Susie
"As a three year old, Susie was terrified of her father. She even indicated to her mother that something had happened to her private parts. Yet when contacted, Child Protective Services ruled out sexual abuse, and Susie’s father maintained visitation rights. Then Susie attended an assembly in which her classmates were told that if anything or anyone made them uncomfortable, they should tell a guidance counselor. Susie found a counselor and confided that her father had been touching her private parts. This time, CPS believed Susie. Susie’s mother, Abigail, successfully filed for and received a permanent restraining order against the father. Despite the father initially winning his appeal, Child Justice’s pro bono counsel fought hard and protected Susie. Today, free from contact with the person who violated and terrified her, Susie has blossomed in every way."
Testimonials
The stories behind the families we help
Each year, family courts sentence 58,000 children to live with parents who are abusive, negligent or predatory. Hundreds of times a year, a child’s life ends at the hands of an abusive parent, an entirely preventable tragedy. Far too often this happens because our legal system, for a variety of reasons, isn’t equipped to identify, understand and adjudicate cases where domestic violence and child abuse are present. Child Justice works with protective mothers, protective fathers, and their children to prevent these tragedies. Our number one priority is the safety of children.
Below are a few stories from the families Child Justice has helped. To protect the identity of our clients, names and/or details of their cases may have been changed.
Request Legal Assistance
Jane's Children
"'Lou' was verbally and physically abusive to his four children. After he separated from his children’s mother, “Jane,” they were understandably resistant to seeing him. But Lou was persistent—and so was his attorney. Lou’s attorney persuaded a judge to switch custody to him, then sent the children off to a “deprogramming” center in California. There, the center’s staff used various methods to pressure the children into believing that they had nothing to fear from their dad. The children remained strong in their support for their mother, but because Jane had no attorney and no money for an attorney, Lou retained custody. Child Justice found pro bono counsel for Jane, who successfully fought to win the children back. Today, Lou continues to harass and abuse his ex-wife in the courts by filing unnecessary motions. Meanwhile, Child Justice keeps watch over this dangerous situation while grateful in the knowledge that, without our intervention, Jane and Lou’s children would still be in grave mental and physical danger."Sandra's Sons
"Abused as a child, “Sandra” rebounded from one controlling marriage into another, having a child with each. The men presented serious problems: One abused Sandra’s son. Another was a long-time illegal drug user. Then Sandra’s worst nightmare came true: The fathers contacted one another, became friends and resolved to take the children away from her. For a time, they were successful. Then Child Justice intervened, finding Sandra pro bono counsel who helped her regain custody of her youngest son, and establish unsupervised visits with her older son. Sandra has now become an advocate for public policy changes in children’s rights law, frequently lobbying on Capitol Hill. And because abusers rarely stop, Child Justice continues to provide Sandra with emotional support and pro bono counsel for her case."Joshua & Matthew
"Despite a history of domestic violence against his ex-wife, “Amy,” “David” fought for and received custody of the couple’s two sons, “Joshua” and “Matthew.” While the children were in his care, David used a large, heavy barbecue spatula to beat Matthew, then 12 years old, on his buttocks, leaving enormous bruises. Yet Child Protective Services ruled out abuse, and Matthew remained with his father. David once beat Joshua so badly, he fractured his son’s nose and left bruises all over Joshua’s body. This time, David was arrested, charged and tried. But when Dan argued that he was using reasonable corporal punishment, the jury agreed and found him “not guilty.” At this point, Amy contacted Child Justice and was connected with pro bono counsel. Because of the tireless efforts of Child Justice, Amy regained custody of both children. Today, both children are thriving, and Joshua recently started college."Jessie
"Seven-year-old Jessie confided in her mother, Kathy, that the child’s father, Bob, was touching her inappropriately. Jessie recounted several instances where her father had made her undress or feel uncomfortable. Later, relatives and close friends relayed their own concerns about how Paul touched children and stroked their hair. Child Justice connected Kathy with pro bono counsel who fought for a protective order against Bob, and eventually succeeded in securing a ruling that Paul’s visits should be supervised. Luckily, Bob never fought for those visits. Today, all three of Bob and Kathy’s children are happy learners in school, volunteer in Guatemala over the summers, and are developing into strong, confident young people."Jill & James
"Alexis feared her husband Andrew was sexually abusing their daughter, Jill. One night, Jill’s brother James saw their father take his sister into the bathroom and lock the door, while Jill screamed and cried. Andrew’s abuse of James was of the physical kind. James once called the police after Andrew beat him up, but Andrew convinced the police his son was lying, and was never charged. The situation changed after Child Justice got involved. With the help of pro bono counsel, Andrew was only allowed to see the children he abused under supervision. After several months, he told the children he didn’t want to see them anymore and ceased contact. Today, things have changed dramatically for Jill and James, who are honors students at their colleges and young leaders who have begun to speak out against abuse and violence in their communities."Susie
"As a three year old, Susie was terrified of her father. She even indicated to her mother that something had happened to her private parts. Yet when contacted, Child Protective Services ruled out sexual abuse, and Susie’s father maintained visitation rights. Then Susie attended an assembly in which her classmates were told that if anything or anyone made them uncomfortable, they should tell a guidance counselor. Susie found a counselor and confided that her father had been touching her private parts. This time, CPS believed Susie. Susie’s mother, Abigail, successfully filed for and received a permanent restraining order against the father. Despite the father initially winning his appeal, Child Justice’s pro bono counsel fought hard and protected Susie. Today, free from contact with the person who violated and terrified her, Susie has blossomed in every way."
Testimonials
The stories behind the families we help.
Each year, family courts sentence 58,000 children to live with parents who are abusive, negligent or predatory. Hundreds of times a year, a child’s life ends at the hands of an abusive parent, an entirely preventable tragedy. Far too often this happens because our legal system, for a variety of reasons, isn’t equipped to identify, understand and adjudicate cases where domestic violence and child abuse are present. Child Justice works with protective mothers, protective fathers, and their children to prevent these tragedies. Our number one priority is the safety of children.
Below are a few stories from the families Child Justice has helped. To protect the identity of our clients, names and/or details of their cases may have been changed.
Request Legal Assistance
Jane's Children
"'Lou' was verbally and physically abusive to his four children. After he separated from his children’s mother, “Jane,” they were understandably resistant to seeing him. But Lou was persistent—and so was his attorney. Lou’s attorney persuaded a judge to switch custody to him, then sent the children off to a “deprogramming” center in California. There, the center’s staff used various methods to pressure the children into believing that they had nothing to fear from their dad. The children remained strong in their support for their mother, but because Jane had no attorney and no money for an attorney, Lou retained custody. Child Justice found pro bono counsel for Jane, who successfully fought to win the children back. Today, Lou continues to harass and abuse his ex-wife in the courts by filing unnecessary motions. Meanwhile, Child Justice keeps watch over this dangerous situation while grateful in the knowledge that, without our intervention, Jane and Lou’s children would still be in grave mental and physical danger."Sandra's Sons
"Abused as a child, “Sandra” rebounded from one controlling marriage into another, having a child with each. The men presented serious problems: One abused Sandra’s son. Another was a long-time illegal drug user. Then Sandra’s worst nightmare came true: The fathers contacted one another, became friends and resolved to take the children away from her. For a time, they were successful. Then Child Justice intervened, finding Sandra pro bono counsel who helped her regain custody of her youngest son, and establish unsupervised visits with her older son. Sandra has now become an advocate for public policy changes in children’s rights law, frequently lobbying on Capitol Hill. And because abusers rarely stop, Child Justice continues to provide Sandra with emotional support and pro bono counsel for her case."Joshua & Matthew
"Despite a history of domestic violence against his ex-wife, “Amy,” “David” fought for and received custody of the couple’s two sons, “Joshua” and “Matthew.” While the children were in his care, David used a large, heavy barbecue spatula to beat Matthew, then 12 years old, on his buttocks, leaving enormous bruises. Yet Child Protective Services ruled out abuse, and Matthew remained with his father. David once beat Joshua so badly, he fractured his son’s nose and left bruises all over Joshua’s body. This time, David was arrested, charged and tried. But when Dan argued that he was using reasonable corporal punishment, the jury agreed and found him “not guilty.” At this point, Amy contacted Child Justice and was connected with pro bono counsel. Because of the tireless efforts of Child Justice, Amy regained custody of both children. Today, both children are thriving, and Joshua recently started college."Jessie
"Seven-year-old Jessie confided in her mother, Kathy, that the child’s father, Bob, was touching her inappropriately. Jessie recounted several instances where her father had made her undress or feel uncomfortable. Later, relatives and close friends relayed their own concerns about how Paul touched children and stroked their hair. Child Justice connected Kathy with pro bono counsel who fought for a protective order against Bob, and eventually succeeded in securing a ruling that Paul’s visits should be supervised. Luckily, Bob never fought for those visits. Today, all three of Bob and Kathy’s children are happy learners in school, volunteer in Guatemala over the summers, and are developing into strong, confident young people."Jill & James
"Alexis feared her husband Andrew was sexually abusing their daughter, Jill. One night, Jill’s brother James saw their father take his sister into the bathroom and lock the door, while Jill screamed and cried. Andrew’s abuse of James was of the physical kind. James once called the police after Andrew beat him up, but Andrew convinced the police his son was lying, and was never charged. The situation changed after Child Justice got involved. With the help of pro bono counsel, Andrew was only allowed to see the children he abused under supervision. After several months, he told the children he didn’t want to see them anymore and ceased contact. Today, things have changed dramatically for Jill and James, who are honors students at their colleges and young leaders who have begun to speak out against abuse and violence in their communities."Susie
"As a three year old, Susie was terrified of her father. She even indicated to her mother that something had happened to her private parts. Yet when contacted, Child Protective Services ruled out sexual abuse, and Susie’s father maintained visitation rights. Then Susie attended an assembly in which her classmates were told that if anything or anyone made them uncomfortable, they should tell a guidance counselor. Susie found a counselor and confided that her father had been touching her private parts. This time, CPS believed Susie. Susie’s mother, Abigail, successfully filed for and received a permanent restraining order against the father. Despite the father initially winning his appeal, Child Justice’s pro bono counsel fought hard and protected Susie. Today, free from contact with the person who violated and terrified her, Susie has blossomed in every way."
