100%
of CFR’s clients experience poverty
Services
As a public defender, we provide our clients with free legal representation and social work services
As a public defender, we provide our clients with free legal representation and social work services built on more than two decades of experience fighting the child welfare system, or what we call the family policing system. We work with primarily low-income Black and Brown parents facing an ACS investigation or prosecution and minors who have been arrested.
A Team of Support for Every Client
Our nationally recognized model pairs each client with an attorney and a social worker, with support from a parent advocate who has been through the system themselves.
Our Services
Family Defense
We provide the highest quality legal and social work services to parents facing an Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) investigation or prosecution to help keep their family together.
Youth Defense
We represent minors who have been arrested and advocate to avoid prosecution or incarceration so they can stay at home with their families and get the support they need.
Housing and Public Benefits
We provide the highest quality legal and social work services to parents facing an Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) investigation or prosecution to help keep their family together.
Immigration Defense
Our immigration team offers specialized defense and support for clients who are immigrants at greater risk of scrutiny and family separation because of their Family Court case.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense team offers expert advocacy and representation for clients with a criminal case, often based on the same allegation that brought them to Family Court.
Appeals
We represent our clients on appeals to challenge decisions we believe are mistakes in order to protect their rights and ensure other judges can’t repeat the wrong for other families.
SCR Records
The State Central Register (SCR) is a state record of ACS investigations. CFR helps any parent clear their name from the SCR when possible, even if they aren’t a CFR client otherwise.
Common Terms We Use
Learn more about the common terms we use at CFR and why we choose to use certain language like the family policing system instead of the child welfare system in order to accurately reflect the reality that thousands of Black and Brown families experience every day.
See All TermsOur Impact
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CFR: Over Two Decades of Keeping Families Together
Within this building are people who fight for families every single day and make sure that their voices are heard. -Teyora Graves-Ferrell, CFR Parent Advocate Director Watch Our Impact Video
Aminullah's Story
The entire CFR staff treated me like family and did so much for me. With CFR's help, I got back on my feet and regained my hope...thank you CFR for your assistance! Watch Aminullah's Story
Genesis' Story
I want to express my gratitude to the organization for believing in me, for their effort, for their support, for fighting for my rights, and for allowing me to be with my family, united and well. Watch Genesis' Story
Juan's Story
I didn't have the resources for someone to defend me, they wouldn't let me see my wife or children, I had no idea what I was going to face... I would like to thank the CFR team for welcoming me and guiding me through this process. Watch Juan's Story
Jasmine's Story
I was separated from my children for five years. [CFR] helped me get my children back. I'm forever grateful for that. Watch Jasmine's Story
Upcoming Events
2025 Family Advocacy Day
New York families deserve policies rooted in equity, support, and empowerment. On March 4, CFR will join parents and advocates in Albany to support four essential state bills: the Family Miranda Bill, the Maternal Health, Dignity & Consent Bill, the Anti-Harassment in Reporting Bill, and the Preserving Family Bonds Act.
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