WHO WE ARE HOW WE HELP OUR RESULTS GET INVOLVED GET HELP CONTACT DONATE TO LFC GET HELP Mental Health Project The Challenge: Young people in foster care have often experienced years of neglect and abuse, exposure to a host of environmental stressors, the traumatic experience of entering foster care, and the continuing trauma of changing foster care placements. All of these factors and many more contribute to a higher rate of mental health diagnoses among youth in foster care than among those who are not in care. It is estimated that six out of every ten children in foster care in New York City (60%) suffer from mental health issues., while only about two out of every ten children not in foster care (20%) have a mental health challenge. Left unaddressed, our clients’ mental health issues can result in their extended involvement in the child welfare system and dramatically increase their chances of lifelong mental health challenges after leaving care. LFC’s Response: The goal of the Mental Health Advocacy Project, founded in 2007, is to ensure that our clients who have mental health challenges receive timely and comprehensive evaluations by trained professionals; high-quality, individualized services in the least restrictive placements possible; appropriate school-based services; and appropriately prescribed and monitored psychotropic medication when necessary. The project is directed by a Master’s-level social worker with expertise in mental health advocacy who works closely with LFC attorneys to ensure the best outcomes for every child and young adult we serve. "Ashley’s parents now have the help they need and Ashley is flourishing at home." Read Ashley's Success Story In order to preserve client confidentiality, names and other details have been changed. Volunteer models appear in all photographs that depict LFC clients. Photographs courtesy Ben Fink Shapiro Studio and Jasmin Ortiz. Lawyers For Children | 110 Lafayette Street, 8th Floor | New York, NY 10013 | 212.966.6420 | info@lawyersforchildren.org Copyright © 2021 | All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy Who We Are Our Mission Staff Board of Directors Leadership Council Our Supporters Honors & Awards Videos How We Help Our Model Public Policy Domestic Violence LGBTQ Education Aging Out Mental Health Sex Abuse & Trafficking Immigration Videos Our Results The LFC Difference Success Stories LFC News LFC Publications Videos Get Involved Donate Now Lunch Money Campaign Fellowships Internships Careers Other Ways You Can Help Planned Giving Matching Gift Programs Get Help Emergency Information Know Your Rights Video Series Know Your Rights Handbooks Find Your Lawyer and Social Worker Links to Resources Conozca Sus Derechos: Vídeos Contact