CLCM Statewide Helpline

and Requests for Assistance

1-888-KIDLAW8 (1-888-543-5298)

The Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts maintains a helpline through which it provides legal assistance, resources and referrals to youth, parents, attorneys and helping professionals.

 
 

Please note:

At this time, the helpline is open Monday through Thursday from 9AM to 5PM.

Over-the-phone assistance:

Through the helpline, CLCM provides information, resources, and referrals to callers statewide relating to the rights of children and youth in the following areas:

  • Health/Mental Health: health and mental health services for youth, medical decision making rights of minors, etc.creates a hostile environment at school for the victim;

  • System-Involved Youth: rights of children & families involved with DCF, the CRA process, DYS, delinquency matters, etc.

  • Education: including special education, school discipline, restraint and seclusion, educational access, school enrollment, etc.

  • Immigration: consultation on immigration issues relating to children only, including unaccompanied minors, Special Immigrant Juvenile, asylum, DACA, visas, etc.

The helpline can be reached at 1-888-KIDLAW8 (1-888-543-5298).

Bilingual assistance (Spanish) is subject to staff availability.

Open Monday through Thursday from 9AM to 5PM

Full direct representation through the helpline: 

CLCM provides full, direct representation for children in Essex County. Please note CLCM does not represent parents or other adults. Callers living in Essex County may seek direct representation from CLCM through the helpline in cases involving education or immigration. CLCM also represents children by court appointment only in abuse & neglect, delinquency, and CRA cases. It cannot take these cases through the helpline.

Please note:

CLCM does not provide legal assistance to children in parental custody matters.

For representation in custody matters:

For grandparents looking for guardianship resources: