Children's Law Center is appointed by the court to provide legal representation to children who are either wards of the state – “legal orphans” – or have been removed from their homes because they are in need of protection. CLC also represents foster children who request help. CLC provides this quality representation free of charge. Currently, CLC represents over 700 children per year.

Since 1995, CLC has trained over 860 volunteer attorneys. With their help, CLC has represented more than 2,800 foster children, and helped to promote systemic change and advocacy for vulnerable youth throughout Minnesota. When children are taken from abusive or neglectful parents, they need to know their legal rights. CLC provides a multidisciplinary team of volunteer and staff attorneys and a social worker to listen to the children and help them navigate the complicated systems that control their lives. These advocates help guide the children by empowering them to speak up for what they want. CLC advocates help children understand the system and help judges and other court workers understand what the children want.