Doe v. Bell
The Urban Justice Center filed this article 78 action in 2002 in New York State Supreme Court in support of a transgender youth who is not being allowed to dress in a manner appropriate to her gender identity while in a foster group home. Although this is an individual action, our goal in filing this case is to create policy reform that will affect the rights of gender expression for transgender and gender nonconforming youth throughout the foster care system.

Pro bono co-counsel: Debevoise & Plimpton

Joel A. v. Giuliani
The Urban Justice Center filed this federal class action lawsuit in 1998 challenging New York City's failure to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth in foster care from severe physical and psychological abuse. Filing this case persuaded the City to institute reforms in the foster care system to heighten sensitivity to LGBT youth, such as increasing the capacity of group homes tailored for LGBT youth, and recruiting gay and gay-sensitive foster parents. The case has been settled in favor of the plaintiffs.

Pro bono co-counsel: Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison