Supporting Children
Children's Representation Program
(SIJS Cases)
Are looking for free legal help in New Jersey regarding a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status matter?
Through VLJ’s Children’s Representation Program (CRP), volunteer attorneys help immigrant children eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) obtain lawful permanent residence status through this special pathway. SIJS cases involve full-scope representation with the child’s Family Court filing and/or USCIS immigration applications.
Under federal law, immigrant children are provided with a special pathway to lawful permanent residency under certain circumstances, known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). VLJ’s Children’s Representation Program assists children and their parents or guardians who appear eligible for SIJS with both steps of the pathway to protection: family court filings and USCIS applications. All cases are screened for merit and referred by the New Jersey Consortium for Immigration Children, with VLJ staff providing mentorship, guidance, and support.
Court/Docket: Superior Court, Family Division (FD docket); USCIS administrative filings
Format: Full-Scope Litigation (Hybrid)
Volunteer attorneys receive a case file containing a description of the facts and legal assistance sought from our referral partners, the family’s contact information, and relevant case documents. Limited-scope opportunities are available to represent clients solely through USCIS or the Family Court process, but volunteers are encouraged to commit to litigating matters through both steps of the SIJS process.
Time Commitment: Hybrid representation (~10 – 25+ hours)
Experience NOT Required: No prior experience is required to volunteer.
Training Available: VLJ offers written and recorded training on SIJS matters as well as sample pleadings. VLJ staff and volunteer mentors remain available for guidance throughout the case, including the ability to co-counsel in a limited number of cases.
How to sign up?
For registered volunteers, please email Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org. For those not registered to volunteer with VLJ, please visit our “Become A Volunteer” webpage or use the button below.
Children's Representation Program
(Education Cases)
Are looking for free legal help in New Jersey regarding an education matter?
Through VLJ’s Children’s Representation Program (CRP), volunteer attorneys help parents/guardians with no- or low-incomes ensure their child receives the services necessary to develop academically, emotionally, and socially—including representation to children eligible for special education and related services who have not been offered a Free Appropriate Public Education ("FAPE"), who are victims of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying ("HIB"), who are subject to suspension or expulsion, who are accused of truancy, and/or who are subject to a residency action. All cases are referred by the Education Law Center.
Court/Docket: Office of Administrative Law (OAL); Municipal Court (Truancy Only)
Format: Full-Scope, from advisory consultation to litigation (Hybrid)
Volunteer attorneys receive a case file containing a description of the facts and legal assistance sought from our referral partners, the family’s contact information, and relevant case documents. Limited-scope opportunities to represent clients solely through an OAL settlement conference may be considered, but volunteers are encouraged to commit to litigating matters to a final resolution.
Time Commitment: Hybrid representation (~20 – 200+ hours)
Experience Required: Recognizing that education law has grown increasingly complex, VLJ now pairs these high-stakes cases with specialized, experienced pro bono attorneys; newer volunteers are paired with an experienced mentor on first-time cases.
Training Available: VLJ has extensive training materials (written and video) on special education, discrimination in school discipline, and bullying laws in New Jersey.
How to sign up?
For registered volunteers, please email Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org. For those not registered to volunteer with VLJ, please visit our “Become A Volunteer” webpage or use the button below.
Have questions about volunteering with VLJ? Email Emerald Sheay at esheay@vljnj.org.