About Us: Our Mission and Goals

Throughout America, families at risk of separation lack legal resources to mount adequate defenses against abuse or neglect charges even when they are innocent.

The Family Defense Center is the first of its kind: a legal advocacy organization that provides high level systemic advocacy and grass-roots activities for families treated unfairly by state child protection agencies. The Family Defense Center defends children who can be safely raised in their own families and helps families preserve their right to raise their own children. The Family Defense Center is a member-supported organization, deriving most of its funding from individual contributions. Please consider making a contribution today to help protect chldren by defending families.

2007-2009 Goals Include:

• Make the FDC a strong and viable organization recognized as a resource for families and professionals alike.
• Develop and carry out education training and support programs for family members and professionals (lawyers, social workers, etc.).
• Advocate justice for families by focusing on due process for families under investigation, by enforcing the constitutional rights of child care workers and families established in Dupuy v. Samuels, and in part by representing children and families in DCFS investigations and appeals.
• Expanding parent empowerment and policy advocacy.

Quick Links:

• If you are seeking legal assistance, please visit our Legal Representation and Services page.

• If you are part of a group or organization interested in working with the Family Defense Center, please send your contact information (including your phone number and address) to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• If you would like to keep up-to-date on upcoming events at the Family Defense Center, please Click Here to join our mailing list.

Phone: 312-356-3202
Fax:312-356-3203

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