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The Legal Impact Network for Kin (LINK) is shaped and directed by a group of geographically diverse public interest law organizations that either provide direct services to kinship families or advocate for kinship care-related laws and policy change. The Network has an interactive listserv, conducts resource sharing webinars, and periodically meets in person.  LINK is funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and managed by attorneys at the ABA Center on Children and the LawChildFocus, and Generations United.

What's the purpose of LINK? 
To improve the availability and quality of free and low-cost legal representation for kinship families inside and outside of the child welfare system by:

  1. Connecting public interest attorneys who serve kinship families to share legal strategies, best practices, and other critical resources;
  2. Expanding partnerships with private law firms, law school clinical programs, and bar associations to expand legal representation for kinship families;
  3. Creating better state and federal kinship care laws and policies based on the most pressing legal challenges facing kinship families.

How do I join?
LINK is available to attorneys who serve kinship families. To join, please contact Steven Jessen-Howard at steven.jessenhoward@americanbar.org.

 

Resources and Materials for Review and Sharing
 

In Person Meeting Materials - April 2024


In Person Meeting Materials - April 2022

 

Webinar on Overcoming Licensing Barriers for Kin (February 6, 2018)

 

Webinar on Understanding the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) to Increase Relative Placements (Feburary 16, 2017)

 

Webinar on the Indian Child Welfare Act, new regulations  (September 22, 2016)


Webinar on Supported Diversion (March 9, 2016)


ABA Kinship Preconference  (July 23, 2015)

Partner Organizations