How We Help
We work to prevent the trauma of the unnecessary removal and separation of infants and their mothers.
We address challenges before they escalate and support families with the following:
- Parent Ally Support
- An Attorney
- A Drug/Alcohol Assessment
- Detox/Treatment
- Baby Items
- Cell Phones
- Transportation
- Housing Resources
When parents are at risk of CPS involvement, we step in early so families can stay safely together.
Our work is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care—meeting parents where they are and helping them move toward safety and healing. By partnering with healthcare providers, community organizations, and other advocates, we’re changing what family support looks like in Washington State.
What families get from FIRST
Immediate support when it matters most
From the very first call, someone from our team responds right away. Within minutes, a parent can be connected with an attorney who explains their rights, helps them prepare for what’s next, and makes sure they never face CPS alone.
Legal advocacy that protects and empowers
Our attorneys provide practical, judgment-free guidance during hospital discharge planning, CPS meetings, and other critical moments. We help parents make informed decisions from a place of safety, not fear.
Peer support from those who’ve been there
Each family is paired with a parent ally with lived experience who has navigated CPS involvement. Parent allies offer understanding, encouragement, and practical help every step of the way.
Connections to real resources
We work closely with community partners to help families access safe housing, healthcare, treatment, and parenting resources. These “warm handoffs” make sure support continues long after our direct involvement ends.
Ongoing care that builds stability
Support can begin as early as pregnancy and continue for several months after birth. Whether it’s one meeting or ongoing advocacy, we stay with families through the most critical moments to help keep babies safe and families together.
Culturally responsive support grounded in dignity
We honor each parent’s lived experiences and strengths, offering guidance that respects their background and supports their path forward.
The Evidence Behind Our Approach
The work of FIRST Legal Clinic is grounded in research and medical evidence showing that keeping mothers and babies together leads to healthier, more stable families. Explore these short articles featuring FIRST Legal Clinic attorney Adam Ballout, each with a brief video explaining the evidence behind our work.
