Council for Children’s Rights said it is downsizing after the state cuts $675,000.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Council for Children’s Rights, a Charlotte-based children’s legal advocacy group, said it’s been forced to shutter programs after the state cut funding.
CFCR announced it wound down its Children’s Defense Team on April 30 and will end its Custody Advocacy Program on June 30 due to the state ending its contract, which took away $675,000 of funding.
“Nonprofit organizations like ours are not immune to the trends of decreased charitable giving and inconsistent government support,” Keith Atkinson, board chair, said.
The CFCR said the Children’s Defense Team provided court-appointed attorneys to represent alleged delinquent children and children placed in mental health facilities in Mecklenburg County.
The Custody Advocacy Program is a family law program that represents children in high-conflict custody cases, which often include allegations of abuse and domestic violence.
CFCR said that without these services available to the most vulnerable children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, unforeseen circumstances may arise.
While some services, like the Education Law Program, remain intact, securing appropriate funding is still a challenge.
“We’re committed to finding ways to continue our vital work on behalf of poor and vulnerable children in Charlotte,” Interim Executive Director Karen Parker said. “We invite donations of all sizes to help CFCR continue to stand up for every child’s right to be safe, healthy, and well-educated.”
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