Legal Representation, Policy & Advocacy
About
CFR’s mission is to defend the rights of parents and youth through free, holistic interdisciplinary legal and social work representation. We fight for the integrity of families, primarily low-income Black and brown parents and youth targeted by systems of family regulation and incarceration. CFR’s model supports parents in raising their children with self-determination, reduces reliance on the foster system and youth incarceration, and addresses the underlying causes of family instability. We represent parents and youth in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island; we provide training and technical assistance to more than 500 practitioners annually from around the country; and we work to promote systemic change that dignifies and benefits youth and families.
Support
-
Legal Representation
CFR's approach to legal services is holistic, we partner courtroom advocacy with comprehensive social work services while also employing directly impacted parents to help our clients navigate the incredibly invasive ACS process. We're assigned public defenders, yet if clients are not yet being brought to court or have questions about potential involvement, we encourage them to contact our early defense team at text 646-809-4308 if you are in Manhattan, the Bronx, or Staten Island, or 347-286-4365 in Queens.
-
Policy & Advocacy
CFR engages in policy work in a number of areas with the focus of not just helping our clients stay free of the Family Policing System, but also ensuring that they live in communities free of all forms of oppression. We are signatories to the NY Justice Roadmap, and are proud to fight for justice for our clients and their communities, we are also members of the New York State Cash Alliance (fighting for direct cash assistance for low-income New Yorkers), and many other coalitions. You can reach our policy team by emailing CFRPolicy@cfrny.org.