We have lawyers that represent and advocate for youth under 18. If you have a legal problem or you have any questions you can call us. We may be able to help you or tell you where you can get help. If you need help with welfare, education, the children’s aid, getting off the street, your family or the criminal law, please call us.

CHILD WELFARE: We advise and represent youth who want into or out of children’s aid care. For example, we have commenced applications by youth or youth agencies to try to compel a children’s aid society to take a child into care. We help youth who have questions or concerns about their placement or program while in care.

CONSENT TO TREATMENT: We give legal advice to young persons and care providers regarding the right to consent to and refuse treatment. Depending on the circumstances, we may represent the young person. We will assist a young person who is having trouble getting OHIP.

CORRECTIONS LAW: We advocate for youth who are in jail at youth centres or in detention.

CUSTODY AND ACCESS: Justice for Children and Youth represents children and youth who are not living with a parent who are seeking access to siblings only. The Office of the Children’s Lawyer represents children and youth in custody and access disputes involving parents and caregivers. They are appointed by the court and the parents’ lawyers can request this appointment.

EDUCATION LAW: We help young people who are not living with a parent get enrolled in school. We help children and parents obtain appropriate special education placements by giving legal advice relating to the various processes under the Education Act. We provide summary advice to parents throughout Ontario and will consult with other lawyers and clinics to assist them in representing clients outside the Toronto area. We represent low income children and youth who have been suspended or excluded from school or who face expulsion. We also give advice about truancy and about information, records and privacy issues.

IMMIGRATION LAW: We do not practice immigration or refugee law. We will assist children and youth obtain OHIP or school enrollment when their immigration status is an issue. We will assist other lawyers and clinics with this area of law as it relates to the Charter and to international human rights instruments.

LEAVING HOME: We provide summary advice and representation, when necessary, for young people who have left or are considering leaving their parents’ home. The issues often involve child welfare, support, family and social assistance law. We also assist in the recovery of personal possessions being withheld by a parent when a young person leaves home.

MENTAL HEALTH LAW: We act for youth who are locked in mental health facilities (secure treatment/psychiatric wards) or who are in a facility for mental health reasons.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE: We represent youth aged 16 and 17 who are trying to get general welfare assistance through Ontario Works or who have been cut off. We give summary advice to persons seeking the foster parent benefit and to young parents applying for family benefits.

SUPPORT: We provide summary advice to young persons and assistance to legal counsel representing young people where they are seeking financial support from their parents. The youth should be able to obtain a legal aid certificate. In this area, we assist youth living independently but not youth living with a parent.

TEST CASES: We try to challenge laws that discriminate against children or youth or laws which fail to take into account the best interests or wishes of children and youth, from the perspective of the young person. We will also represent children and youth in cases which involve the interpretation of legislation pertaining to them such as the Child and Family Services Act or the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: We represent young persons who wish to protect the privacy of personal records (eg. CAS files, school records, medical records, tec.) in criminal proceedings. Defence lawyers try to uses these records to undermine the testimony of victims of crime in the trial against the accused. We also help young people make claims before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. We do not assist with personal injury claims in civil courts.

YOUTH JUSTICE: We help young people in trouble with the law by giving them information about the legal system and their rights. We help them find lawyers and refer them to other resources. We represent youth who are charged in incidents in schools, group homes and jail. We represent youth with learning or other difficulties. We may do appeals depending on the issues. We do reviews of dispositions to help a youth get into open custody or on probation. We will do bail hearings and general advocacy for youth without lawyers.

We will try to do our best to help out any young person who calls us. We usually know who can help them if we can’t. If the matter does not appear on this list, you can call us to find out whether we can assist. We provide information about the legal rights and responsibilities of young people in general