University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center (NCJC) is the culmination of nearly a decade of innovation in child welfare advocacy. It began in 2017 with the launch of the Children’s Justice Clinic (CJC), training law students to serve as Guardians ad Litem in juvenile court. In 2021, the Children’s Justice Attorney Education (CJAE) Fellowship was created to expand access to justice in Nebraska’s rural communities, equipping practicing attorneys with the tools to serve in areas with few or no juvenile court advocates. In 2025, these efforts united under the NCJC—a statewide initiative dedicated to transforming legal representation for children and families through education, mentorship, and systemic reform.