
Our Mission
Council for Children’s Rights envisions a community committed to standing up, speaking out, and acting to ensure every child’s right to be safe, healthy, and well-educated.
Our Work
Together we defend and champion the rights of children to be supported and treated with fairness, compassion, and respect, regardless of personal obstacles.
PRACTICE AREAS
Custody
The Council is court-appointed to represent the best interests of children caught in the middle of high conflict custody cases.
Defense
The Council is the court-appointed public defender to represent all children in juvenile delinquency court who have been accused of a crime.
Mental Health
The Council provides legal representation for every child who faces civil commitment to a mental health hospital or residential treatment facility in Mecklenburg County.
Special Education
The Council provides special education advocacy to children in foster care to ensure they receive their right to a free appropriate public education.
Research & Policy
The Council conducts important research and analysis that informs policies, improves systems, and solves complex problems facing children.




State of Our Children Report
This annual report — formerly known as State of Mecklenburg’s Children — has been produced by the Council for more than 30 years and has become a go-to resource for data on children and families in our community.
Council Updates
Sign up here to receive periodic emails on the latest news, events, and workshops.
Action Alerts
Sign up here for real-time alerts about local, state, and national policy issues facing our children.