Law Clinics

Children’s Rights Clinic Course Information for Law Students

Youth with disabilities are over-represented in our nation’s juvenile justice system.  The Children’s Rights Clinic in conjunction with the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program works to ensure that youth with disabilities involved in the juvenile justice system have their disability needs met and their rights protected.  We:

• Visit children in detention
• Monitor juvenile detention, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, Department of Youth Services facilities, and correction facilities where juveniles are being incarcerated
• Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect against youth in such settings
• Provide technical assistance to youth with disabilities and their families in developing and maintaining appropriate services available by right in school systems.
• Provide technical assistance to school systems who seek assistance in developing and maintaining appropriate plans and services for students in their system.
• Attend court settings as advocates
• Attend educational meetings as advocates
• Provide technical assistance to families and to attorneys and advocates assisting youth with disabilities involved in the juvenile justice system, particularly to identify community services in lieu of placement.

Organization Name: Children’s Rights Clinic-The University of Alabama School of Law

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 870392, Tuscaloosa 35487-0392

Physical Address: The University of Alabama School of Law, 101 Paul Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa 35401

Phone number: (205) 348-4960

Are you a non-profit? Yes

Do you accept donations? Yes, through the University of Alabama Law School Foundation

Are donations tax-deductible? Yes

Do you provide direct client services? Yes

Brief description of services provided: The Children’s Rights Clinic provides free legal assistance to children with disabilities residing in West Alabama. Assistance is generally limited to matters arising from a juvenile court setting and is provided according to a set of priorities.  There is no fee for the services and no income qualification required. How do clients qualify for your services? Through juvenile court.

Program description: The University of Alabama School of Law’s Children’s Rights Clinic provides legal advice, assistance, and representation on matters to juveniles in Tuscaloosa county. Through its student and staff attorneys, the Children’s Rights Clinic provides legal assistance on matter such as: juvenile justice, special education, children’s mental health services, bullying, and foster care.