The CCH Law Project is committed to defending the rights of young people experiencing homelessness.

Norman v. McDonald was a class action case against the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).  It challenged the practice of removing children from parents’ custody due to homelessness. The Norman program, established as a result of the case, provides cash assistance for housing costs to families involved in the child welfare system. This cash assistance helps families prevent homelessness or find permanent housing to promote reunification of families.

The Law Project also represents a class of approximately 800 older youth in the custody of DCFS who are teenage parents. Because these young families are at high risk of homelessness upon their discharge from DCFS, the Law Project works to be sure that adequate discharge planning is in place that includes a plan for housing, services and employment.