About Us

Defenders of Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free legal and clinical therapy services to victims of crime. With a focus on survivors of child abuse and domestic/family/sexual violence, we work with clients and their families, partner with other victim advocacy organizations, such as domestic violence shelters and residential treatment centers, and collaborate with state and county officials who share our concern for the welfare of children and our goal to promote healthier, violence-free families.

Founded in 2008, Defenders of Children provides a wide range of trauma-informed legal and counseling services to victims of crime and their families. When children and their families have exhausted available resources through public service groups, yet the children remain at risk, we can also provide forensic and expert witness services. We also serve as public advocates and partner with such agencies as the Attorney General’s Office, the State Bar, County Family and Juvenile Courts, the Department of Child Safety, and State Legislators.

Defenders of Children

  • Protects and advocates for victims of crime, including domestic/family/sexual violence and child abuse
  • Helps children and families understand and exercise their legal rights
  • Advises and represents children and families in legal proceedings
  • Provides specialized trauma therapy by expert clinicians for victims of family violence
  • Identifies and addresses inadequacies in local and statewide legal and child protection systems
  • Works to improve those systems by encouraging positive changes in guidelines, protocols, and laws to ensure the safety of non-offending families and the well-being of children
  • Organizes and conducts educational trainings for community members and professionals involved in child protection, domestic violence awareness/advocacy, and victim services partners
  • Provides court-ordered supervised parenting time services to help reunite and heal parents and children in a safe, therapeutic environment.
This project is supported in part by Grant No. 2018-V2-GX-0012 from the US Department of Justice-Office for Victims of Crime. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US DOJ or the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

​​​​​Defenders of Children delivers services and employs without regard for race, religion, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or national origin. If you believe you have been discriminated against, please email our Civil Rights Contact, at DNewstone@defendersofchildren.org for assistance.