The work of the Council can be summed up in our
Core Competencies
Delinquency Defense
We serve as the public defender for children in Mecklenburg County, giving a voice to children in court and ensuring that their constitutional and statutory rights are protected.
Mental Health Representation
We represent every child facing civil commitment to a psychiatric hospital or residential treatment facility in Mecklenburg County.
Custody Advocacy
We are court-appointed to represent the best interests of children who are caught in the middle of high-conflict, contested custody cases.
Guardian ad Litem
We serve as the guardian ad litem for children who enter Youth and Family Services (YFS) custody through delinquency court.
Special Education Representation
Through referrals from Juvenile Court and community partners, we represent parents to protect the special education rights of their children with disabilities and, when necessary, file disability discrimination complaints to vindicate those rights.
Research and Policy
We use client-level data, coupled with publicly available data, research on “what works,” and advocacy expertise, to inform organizational, legislative, and practice policy.
Community Engagement and Awareness
We provide information, resources, and training to families and local agencies on children’s rights and advocacy.