Maria Rodriguez
Host: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Sponsor: Fish & Richardson P.C., Microsoft Corporation
Mackenzie created a model for culturally competent legal representation for LGBTQ foster youth in Washington, DC by directly representing youth, engaging in coalition building and outreach, and training stakeholders.
Research has consistently shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are overrepresented in foster care. While they enter the child welfare system for many of the same reasons as non-LGBTQ youth, these experiences can be compounded by family rejection surrounding their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Even when sexual orientation is not the impetus for foster care entry, many LGBTQ youth deal with an added layer of trauma stemming from such rejection or mistreatment and often stay in care longer because of a lack of culturally competent legal representation and a dearth of supportive placements. Unfortunately, bias and discrimination doesn’t only originate with other youth; social workers, attorneys, judges, group home staff, and policy barriers all can prevent LGBTQ youth from accessing much needed services or finding permanency.
During the Fellowship period, Mackenzie has:
Mackenzie will be continuing as a staff attorney at Children’s Law Center at the conclusion of her fellowship. She hopes to continue to provide representation and support for LGBTQ youth in foster care.
Host: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Sponsor: Fish & Richardson P.C., Microsoft Corporation
Host: East Bay Children’s Law Offices
Sponsor: The Morrison & Foerster Foundation
Host: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Sponsor: Microsoft Corporation, The Sidley Austin Foundation
Host: Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Sponsor: Greenberg Traurig, LLP