Eligibility
Young people between ages 12-24 who are experiencing, or at risk of, housing instability in King County are eligible for LCYC’s free civil legal services.
Housing instability includes, but is not limited to: homelessness, couch surfing, struggling to access emergency shelter, temporarily living with friends or family, facing eviction, or feeling unsafe/unwelcome at home.
Legal Services
Services provided can include legal advice, mediation or negotiation, and in-court advocacy. Below are examples of civil legal issues that LCYC can address. This is not a complete list. If you are unsure if LCYC can address your issue, contact us.
LCYC does not have a physical office space. Attorneys meet with young people in locations of their choosing, where they feel comfortable.
“I’m so grateful for my LCYC attorney who helped me so much. I didn’t know I had all those rights and other housing options.”
COMMUNITY-BASED LEGAL AID, A CRITICAL TOOL IN ADDRESSING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
In 2016, LCYC partnered with Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington (SYLAW) and YouthCare to reignite community-based legal services for youth, ages 12-24 years, who are or are at risk of experiencing homelessness in King County.
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Onsite legal services at shelters and schools help increase youth engagement and improve the timeliness of identifying and responding to the legal barriers youth face in accessing safety, housing, education, employment, and public benefits.
The intentional pooling of resources and expertise results in more holistic direct services to youth as well as an increased ability to identify, assess, and respond to systemic barriers impacting youth homelessness.
In 2017, the Homeless Youth Legal Network of the American Bar Association recognized LCYC as one of twelve model programs nationally, providing quality direct services to address youth homelessness.
In 2018, MEMconsultants released an independent evaluation, finding that LCYC’s services for homeless youth are cost effective and have an immediate and positive impact on youth served.
This program receives funding from the City of Seattle Human Services Department.