About Us
The Children's Law Center of Washington, PS (CLCW) founded in August of 2012 by adoption attorney Andrew Schneidler. As a former foster parent and adoptive parent of three, Andrew knows first-hand what his clients are going through. Having personally walked through the adoption of an infant in an open-adoption and adopting his second and third child through the foster-to-adopt process, Andrew is able to provide first class legal services to his clients while maintaining a genuine understanding and concern for their respective interests.
The CLCW believes that it is the size of the adopting family’s heart — not their finances — that determines the success of an adoption. The idea of the CLCW came to Andrew when he was working with Washington’s Department of Health and Human Services and a private foundation to provide legal services for families who otherwise could not afford the legal representation necessary to achieve permanence. Together, this foundation, State case workers and Andrew worked passionately and yielded great results, exceeding goals and expectations. Unfortunately, due to policy changes in Olympia, the funding for this great project stopped.
But Andrew's phone did not stop ringing. Over and over again, he continued to receive calls from social workers and assistant attorneys general, pleading for assistance in order to find just one more child a permanent home. Every call was as urgent as it was heart-breaking. But Andrew's hands were tied. He could not work for free.
But that got him thinking. How many more kids could he help if he was able to simply offer his services based on need alone, without regard to the client’s ability to pay? After all, a child should never remain in temporary or foster care simply because of their care provider’s income level.
At the CLCW, we offer free and low-cost legal services that help achieve permanence for Washington’s orphaned and vulnerable children. The CLCW asks most clients to cover their costs (such as court fees) and pay only a minimal attorney fee based on a sliding-scale tied to the Federal Poverty Level.
We believe every child deserves a permanent, safe home. With the support of the local faith community as well as the generous contributions of donors, we will work tirelessly until this is a reality. The CLCW is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code section 501(c)3. All contributions to the CLCW are tax deductible as allowed by law.
The CLCW will work with all people, married or single, regardless of citizenship, faith or no faith, rich or poor. We simply believe every child deserves a permanent family. Will you help us make this a reality? We cannot do it without your support.
The Children's Law Center of Washington PS, 8201 164th Avenue NE, #200, Redmond, WA 98052
Federal EIN 46-0696480
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