Advokids

Advokids is pleased to announce that Janet G. Sherwood, Advokids’ Senior Legal Consultant and co-founder, was honored with the prestigious Children’s Champion Award by Court Appointed Special Advocates of California. The award was presented on September 3rd. during a celebratory event and awards ceremony in Orange County. The Children’s Champion Award is presented annually to an individual (or individuals) for their unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of children in the California child welfare system.

Accepting the award on Jan’s behalf, Advokids co-founder and Executive Director Margaret Coyne reflected on Janet’s extraordinary career:

“As a child welfare legal scholar, appellate attorney, and trial attorney, Jan has fought for children and for their fundamental right to have their best interests guide decision-making in every arena of the child welfare system. That has been her life’s work. She has challenged systems, changed laws, mentored advocates, and, most importantly, stood beside children who too often have no one else to stand for them.”

Join us in celebrating Janet and this incredible milestone.

For over three decades, we have been fighting to protect the safety, stability, and emotional well-being of children in California’s foster care system. Advokids is here to make sure every child’s voice is heard and every child’s rights are protected. 💙

Advocating for a child in court can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. 💙 At Advokids, we’re here to listen, guide, and connect families with the resources they need to advocate for children’s safety and well-being.

Visit www.advokids.org today to learn more.

No family should feel powerless when working tirelessly to protect a child. When families have clarity, knowledge, and support, they can better advocate for the children they love. Advokids is honored to stand by their side for as long as it takes to bring a child to safety, security, and a permanent home 💙

A grandmother calls Advokids, worried her grandchild is not safe in their parents’ care. She doesn’t know where to start—but she knows she has to act.

An Advokids’ staff attorney walks her through her legal options, helping her understand how she can protect her grandchild from harm.

This is how Advokids prevents child abuse and neglect every day—by providing free legal services to those who seek to ensure the safety and protection of a child at risk of harm.

For many children in the foster care system, trauma can shape how they see themselves, others, and the world around them. Experiences of neglect, separation, and instability can leave lasting emotional wounds. But healing is possible.

Every time a child is heard, believed, and advocated for, healing begins. Every time a family receives support instead of judgment, healing begins. Every time a young person knows they have someone standing beside them, healing begins.

Trauma may be a part of a child's story, but it does not have to define their future.

Together, we can help create pathways to safety, security, and a permanent home.

Visit www.advokids.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

"They just disappeared. And the worst thing was we didn't even get to say goodbye, and we didn't know where they were." - Maya, age 7

Being placed with siblings can protect children from the harms of foster care, offering stability and a vital connection to family.

When sibling relationships are preserved, kids experience greater stability, better mental health, stronger school outcomes, and higher chances of reunification.

Yet 53–80% of children with siblings are separated while in care.

That’s why Advokids works to preserve and protect sibling connections.

California has the highest number of children in foster care in the United States, with over 37,000 children in care.

Advokids provides the only free statewide legal services dedicated to their safety and security.

It is a big job and we need you! Support Foster Care Awareness Month Today: https://donorbox.org/2026-foster-care-awareness-month

A grandmother calls Advokids, worried her grandchild is not safe in their parents’ care. She doesn’t know where to start—but she knows she has to act.

An Advokids’ staff attorney walks her through her legal options, helping her understand how she can seek custody and protect her grandchild from harm.

This is how Advokids prevents child abuse and neglect every day—by providing free child welfare legal services to those who seek to ensure the safety and protection of a child at risk of harm.

Support Child Abuse Prevention today: https://donorbox.org/2026-child-abuse-prevention-month

Reporting abuse is just the first step—making sure a child stays safe is what matters most. Tools like JV-210 and JV-212 help ensure concerns are heard and acted on.

Advokids’ Protect California Children campaign is here to help you understand how to speak up and protect California's most vulnerable children.

🌟 Learn more at www.protectCAchildren.org