State-specific (NY and NC)

* The Child Welfare Organizing Project - 212-348-2000. Also refer to their 85-page Survival Guide to the NYC Child Welfare System,” written by parents for parents.

* Office of Indigent Defense Services (North Carolina only) - assists attorneys representing indigent parents in abuse, neglect, dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings. For referrals in North Carolina, contact Wendy Sotolongo (wendy.c.sotolongo@nccourts.org) Parent Representation Coordinator, Indigent Defense Services, 123 W. Main Street, Suite 210, Durham, NC 27701. 919-354-7230.


National

* The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform - an organization that seeks comprehensive change in the child welfare system.

* CPS Watch Legal Team - provides information and assistance to families involved with child welfare agencies (CPS).

* National Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center - an organization “dedicated to educating professionals and the falsely accused on factual, scientific data regarding child abuse allegations.” 419-865-0513. Kimberly Hart, Executive Director - PO Box 638, Holland, Ohio 43528


Where can I get more information about juvenile rights and child protective rights?

* Legal Aid Society (NYC) – Juvenile Rights Practice – represents 90 percent of children who appear in court in NYC on child protective, termination of parental rights, PINS (person in need of supervision), and juvenile delinquency petitions. Their website has a section for FAQ about juvenile rights as well as FAQ about child protective services.

* The Child Welfare Organizing Project - 212-348-2000. Also refer to their 85-page Survival Guide to the NYC Child Welfare System,” written by parents for parents.


How can I meet other local people who have been victimized by Child Protective Services?

* CPS Watch Meetups - a website where you can “meet other local people who have been victimized by Child Protective Services to discuss ways to remedy your situation and improve CPS.”


My child was born with special needs. Is there an organization that can give me information and support?

* Parents Helping Parents - “Building bright future for children with special needs.” Based in California, but provides referrals to many other organizations nationwide.