Empowering Families with High Quality Legal Representation
Backed by the founders of Sunlight, the makers of Your Case Plan
How We'll Help
The Family Defense Council wants to scale your impact
Funding
Helping organizations secure the resources to launch interdisciplinary programs and pilots that can lead to more statewide offices of parent and child representation, modeled after programs in states like Oklahoma's Office of Family Representation.
Data & Best Practices
Sharing evidence and stories via outlets like the Community In-Site Podcast that demonstrate the impact of high-quality interdisciplinary defense, equipping policymakers and program leaders with actionable insights.
Free & Discounted Technology
Offering grant-supported software and services to help organizations get started with Your Case Plan and complementary partner solutions in payroll, accounting, fundraising, marketing, and more.
What types of projects are you interested in supporting?
We want to provide early funding and support to launch new projects and expand existing programs that are focused on some the following areas:
Expanding the usage of multi-disciplinary legal defense teams for parents and youth
Reducing necessary court delays by improving engagement across parties
Notifying parents and children of court hearings to increase attendance
Providing "Know Your Rights" educational offerings to parents, youth, and caregivers
Providing training to system leaders, judges, attorneys, caseworkers, GAL/CASA and other professionals
Strengthening data collection to inform evidence-based best practices
Supporting collaboration between court systems, child welfare systems, health plans, CASA programs, and partner community based organizations
Maximizing state's 4E funding reimbursements for legal representation
Implementing best practice standards like ACF's JCAMP measures]
This list is not exhaustive so if there is something you're working on that you think we should know about, please know we'd love for you to reach out when we open calls for applications.
When will you accept applications for funding or program support?
Stay tuned by signing up to learn when we announce an open call for funding opportunities and more. We expect to make our first call for applications before end of 2025.
Who is behind the Family Defense Council?
The founders of Sunlight, the makers of Your Case Plan have pledged a portion of their company's equity, profits, and time to support the expansion of the Family Defense movement.
Stay Connected
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"Investing in high quality legal representation protects vulnerable children and families. We're excited to launch the Family Defense Council to support zealous, multi-disciplinary, and client-centered advocacy that all children and families deserve."
Ryan O'Donnell
| CEO & Co-Founder
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