On October 2, 2026, the Suffolk County Superior Court enjoined the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) from enforcing a policy that categorically denied Young Adult Support Payments (YASP) to young adults residing with a biological parent. The Court ruled that DCF cannot find certain young adults ineligible for Extended Foster Care under a policy that never went through the formal notice and comment process intended to elicit public input.  The ruling comes after the Children's Law Center of MA, Inc. filed a lawsuit against DCF on behalf of "John Doe."

After more than three decades of advocacy, including eight years with Children's Law Center of Massachusetts, we are saying a bittersweet goodbye to Emily, who is moving on from our team. 

We are deeply grateful for Emily's years of dedication to the children and families of Massachusetts, and we wish her every success in her next chapter.

With back to school season officially underway, the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts is saying goodbye to our Summer 2026 interns. That includes Claire, a rising college senior, law school-hopeful, and a member of our most recent internship cohort. During her time with CLCM, Claire helped with key pieces of each advocacy area, handling everything from client intake screenings to research on country conditions for immigration cases. Before she left, we had a chance to hear her reflections on the experience!

On June 1, 2026, Children's Law Center of Massachusetts joined community partners to launch National Unification Month with Essex County's first annual Family Unification Celebration — held at Pathways Family Resource Center in the spirit of "Growing Together." 

We’re excited to welcome Gigi Siddiqi, CLCM’s new Development and Communications Manager.

Members of the CLCM team joined leaders from Boston’s legal and business communities at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts for the annual John and Abigail Adams Benefit.

CLCM applauds the ABA’s adoption of revised Model Rule 1.14, which recognizes that decision-making ability is not fixed, one-dimensional or defined by age alone and affirms as far as reasonably possible, that lawyers maintain an ordinary client-lawyer relationship with a child client with decision-making limitations. We believe adoption of the amended rules in Massachusetts would strengthen child-centered advocacy across the Commonwealth.  

 A change to the Department of Children and Families regulations that previously required foster parents to affirm and support the gender identity and sexual orientation of youth will harm children—especially LGBTQ+ youth. In opposition, CLCM emphasizes what's at stake for children's safety and well-being. 

At the 27th Annual Walk to the Hill, parent of a CLCM client, Jen Fowler, and Attorney Alyssa Schnoor shared how civil legal aid transformed a student’s life, restoring his access to education and stability after more than a year out of school. Their story highlights the critical role of legal advocacy for children and families navigating complex systems alone. The event underscored the ongoing need for strong public support of civil legal aid across Massachusetts. 

We’re excited to welcome Sophia Felix to CLCM’s Education Practice! Sophia brings experience in family law and a deep commitment to educational justice, supporting students facing barriers to learning in under-resourced districts.

On November 19th, youth with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) came together in a peer led Know Your Rights training, hosted by CLCM in partnership with End the SIJS Backlog. The power and energy of youth leadership was on full display as peer facilitators shared practical guidance and encouragement with participants. 

We’re excited to welcome Nora Doherty and Dan Wells to CLCM! They join us in representing immigrant youth, bringing extensive experience and a shared commitment to advancing children’s rights across Massachusetts.