Holistic Family Defense Advocacy Intensive
Seeking Mentors!
BLU’s Holistic Family Defense Advocacy Intensive is designed to empower people who work in legal agencies with the interdisciplinary skills and legal knowledge required to serve as effective advocates at family defense organizations across New York State. Family defense organizations provide legal representation to families investigated by the family police—or so-called “child protective” services.
Outside of New York City, thousands of disproportionately Black and Brown families are forced to endure the harms of a family policing case without an advocate. This is a reflection of severe underinvestment in family defense organizations and a significant shortage of trained advocates, especially advocates of color. This shortage is largely caused by systemic barriers to higher education that most disadvantage Black, Brown, and low-income communities.
This Intensive takes a community-centered approach to strengthening family defense infrastructure in New York State. Advocates with lived experience of the family policing system will be prioritized for program participation.
The plans and curriculum for the Holistic Family Defense Advocacy Intensive are in development, with an anticipated early 2025 program launch.
BECOME A MENTOR
BLU is seeking people with experience working in family defense legal agencies to serve as mentors for the Holistic Family Defense Advocacy Intensive. Mentors may be currently or formerly employed at a family defense legal agency and must have a demonstrated commitment to economic, racial and social justice. Each mentor will be required to connect with their mentee (in person or via phone or video conference) for a minimum of 90 minutes per month. Mentors will receive an honorarium.
To express interest in becoming a mentor and learn more about the opportunity, please complete this form.