Juvenile Law Center
Juvenile Law Center, founded in 1975, is the first non-profit, public interest law firm for children in the United States. Juvenile Law Center advocates for rights, dignity, equity and opportunity for youth in the child welfare and justice systems. Juvenile Law Center works nationally to shape and use the law on behalf of children in the child welfare and justice systems to promote fairness, prevent harm, ensure access to appropriate services, and create opportunities for success. Juvenile Law Center works to protect and advance children's rights in state and federal courts, legislatures, and executive agencies . Its strategies include litigation, appellate advocacy, submission of "amicus curiae" (friend-of-the-court) briefs, policy reform, public education, professional education and training, and strategic communications. Juvenile Law Center's advocacy has contributed to several landmark United States Supreme Court rulings benefiting court-involved youth: Juvenile Law Center has been recognized for its efforts on behalf of children. Notably, in 2008, Juvenile Law Center became one of only eight organizations in the world to receive the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. History. Juvenile Law Center was founded in Philadelphia , Pennsylvania in 1975 by four Temple University Beasley School of Law graduates: Robert Schwartz, Marsha Levick, Judith Chomsky, and Philip Margolis. One founder remains at the organization today—Marsha Levick as Chief Legal Officer. Juvenile Law Center originally operated as a walk-in legal clinic for any youth in Philadelphia with a legal problem. It grew from that walk-in clinic to a statewide organization and has since grown to a national public interest law firm for children, filing its first brief in the United States Supreme Court in 1983. Recently, Juvenile Law Center played a central role in exposing  the Luzerne County, Pennsylvania "kids-for-cash" scandal. Juvenile Law Center has expanded its reach to assist advocates and policymakers abroad who likewise aim to secure legal rights and protections for children in their own countries. Notable cases. A full list of Juvenile Law Center's litigation can be found on the legal docket on the organization's website. Finances. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Juvenile Law Center depends on individuals, corporations, and foundations for financial support. 70% of Juvenile Law Center's revenue comes from foundations, 14%-16% from individuals, corporations, and United Way designated gifts, and the remainder from  trainings, publications, speaking events, awards, and dividend investments. Juvenile Law Center receives no local, state, or federal money to operate, nor does it charge for time or services. Funding. 70% of Juvenile Law Center's revenue comes from foundations, 14% - 16% from individuals, corporations, and United Way designated gifts, and the remainder from trainings, publications, speaking events, cy pres awards, and dividend investments. Board of directors. Juvenile Law Center's Board includes national leaders in the child welfare and justice fields, as well as notable professionals in other domains, including government, communications, business, media, athletics, and academia. Juvenile Law Center