Families & Children
Supporting family stability and protecting children’s well-being
Legal Issues Faced by Families and Children
Families and children across the country face civil legal challenges involving child custody, domestic violence, education, access to healthcare and housing. Civil legal assistance provides critical support to protect children and strengthen families.
Creating Stronger Families
Low-income families with children are more likely to experience civil legal problems related to safety, stability, education and healthcare, including:
Domestic violence that threatens a family’s safety
Disagreements on custody and financial support for children
The need for special education resources and accommodations in school
Health issues due to poor housing conditions or disputes about care and coverage
Taking a First Step
"A first step” is how Monica describes getting an order of protection against her now-ex-husband. As a young mother, she knew the abuse she was experiencing wasn’t normal, and she knew she had to do something to protect herself and her son.
Legal Aid for Families and Children
1 in 5
Children live in households eligible for LSC-funded legal aid.
43%
Of LSC grantees’ clients are families with children.
88,000 Cases
Handled each year by LSC grantees involved domestic violence in families with children.
From Housing Instability to Advocacy
He was two years old the first time his family was evicted. From there, it was a series of eviction after eviction, move after move. He didn’t cause his family’s instability, but it defined his childhood. Years later, as an adult, he advocates for the importance of housing stability – and access to legal support – for children.
Housing: A Critical Issue for Families
Housing safety and stability is paramount for families with children. Since 2020, LSC has conducted extensive research into the causes and impacts of housing issues on low-income Americans.