Support Children's Legal Aid Services Today
Florida’s most vulnerable children — those with disabilities, in foster care, or suffering from abuse, abandonment, or neglect — face overwhelming challenges.
Children can’t fight for themselves in our complex legal system. They need specialists who understand both the law and the unique
challenges children face.
Your support provides hope and light to many trapped in the darkness of poverty and abuse. It gives these children the chance at the childhood and life they deserve.
Please consider a gift today.
When seventeen-year-old “John” entered Hillsborough County’s Juvenile Mental Health Court, he struggled to trust the adults in his life. Adopted after years of early trauma, he resisted services meant to help him and believed the system was working against him.
John needed someone unconditionally on his side. That person turned out to be pro bono attorney Richard Anderson, appointed through Crossroads For Florida Kids.
Crossroads, an FFLA grantee, trains volunteer lawyers to represent children in complex cases, and pairs new volunteers with seasoned attorneys. Judges refer children to Crossroads for representation.
Anderson’s approach was simple and direct: “I was there to represent him and him alone, and I would always be in his corner – no matter what.” It was exactly what John needed to hear.
As Anderson worked his case, John began engaging in services. His grades improved, and he started planning his future — researching training programs to become a lineman and landing a job-shadowing opportunity. His mental health stabilized and his relationship with his adoptive parents began to heal.
John graduated from the court program with his charges dismissed and his record clean. Even after his case ended, he stayed in touch with his attorneys, who remain mentors as he works nearly full-time and steps into adulthood.
Stories like John’s are made possible by FFLA’s Children’s Legal Services grants. Last year, grantee organizations served 3,832 children across Florida — a 10 percent increase over the year before — and secured more than $4.6 million in judgments, awards, and benefits on their behalf.
Behind every one of those numbers is a young person who needed someone in their corner. Your gift today helps make sure they find one.
- Protect children from physical abuse
- Ensure fair and equal access to schooling
- Access services for disabled children and those aging out of foster care
- Stop children from being trafficked
- Support children with complex medical needs
- Represent children whose parents are affected by the opioid crisis
- Secure shelter for children in need of stable housing
Since 1999, FFLA has funded special annual grants for legal assistance to children. Starting in 2000, gifts from The Florida Bar Fee Statement have supported these grants.
Children’s Legal Services grants help provide access to special education and health-care services required under law and support projects that engage pro bono attorneys in providing legal assistance for low-income children.
Visit our Grant Database to view the many grants awarded to legal aid organizations throughout our state. Grants help children overcome legal barriers and pave the way for them to lead better lives and become productive adults. All funds contributed to the Children’s Legal Services Campaign provide direct support to programs that better the live of Florida’s children. No administrative fees are deducted from these contributions.
1) Fill in the amount of your tax-deductible contribution to FFLA on the front of the annual Florida Bar Fee Statement in the box next to the suggested contribution level of $100. (Larger contributions are most welcome!)
2) Add the amount of the gift to the TOTAL PAID box and include it in the check total.
Donate online or send your tax-deductible gift payable to: FFLA, 175 Lookout Place, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751. Please earmark your gift for Children’s Legal Services.
For more information, call our Development Department at 407-960-7000.
Contributions to FFLA | The Florida Bar Foundation are deductible as permitted by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this gift. 100% OF EACH CONTRIBUTION IS RETAINED BY FFLA. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (CH1897) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
If you have questions about making a gift to FFLA, please contact the FFLA Development Team at 407-960-7000. Contributions to FFLA, a 501(c)(3) organization, are deductible as permitted by law.
