A Better Childhood

A Better Childhood fights for children who are abused, neglected, and irreversibly damaged while dependent on child welfare systems. Our work challenges existing structures to improve the lives of children, whether they are in state custody or reliant on the state for protection.

We form powerful alliances with local law firms, community organizations, and child advocates who recognize that too many children are suffering needlessly and at public expense. Using the power of the courts, we develop new legal theories and apply and expand existing law to reform the various states’ foster care and other child welfare systems.

Then, we monitor the states’ responses to hold them accountable. We stay engaged until we produce results for children.

A Better Childhood is a watchdog organization that compels change through the power of the courts. We have the experience, commitment, and creativity to ensure that states meet their legal responsibilities to protect children, based on both existing law and innovative legal approaches. Our goal is to achieve a tipping point, past which efficient, compassionate, and effective child welfare systems become the norm and not the exception. Our results prove that if the states, policy makers, legislators, and local legal communities invest the proper resources and attention in their child welfare systems, they will improve the lives of children.