Iowa Center for Children’s Justice

The Iowa Center for Children’s Justice opened its doors on July 1, 2020. Formerly it was a branch office of Kids First Law Center, headquartered in Cedar Rapids. By mutual agreement, the Board of Directors of the Polk County office and Kids First in Cedar Rapids decided that the Des Moines office serving central Iowa should become an independent nonprofit organization. 

ICCJ attorneys represent children in high conflict divorce and custody cases so that the children’s wishes are presented to the court. ICCJ is a legal services organization providing services to children on a sliding fee scale. Most of the clients are low income and could not otherwise afford an attorney. The attorneys prepare children of an appropriate age to testify if that is allowed by the court. They are also developing mediation and parenting coordination services for such families to assist them in resolving disputes without the need to go to court. They offer workshops to children ages six to sixteen whose parents are in divorce proceedings. They have served hundreds of children in the past three years. 

Funds were requested to assist the increase in marketing efforts. ICCJ has a need to produce a series of marketing materials to help share about our important services more broadly in the community. We anticipate developing an explainer video which can be used as a broad reach marketing tool in the community, reaching close to 2,000 people. In addition, we will develop a brochure, rack card and one pager that will be used with clients, attorneys, and judges. We anticipate these materials will reach about 500 to 700 individuals. 

No other organization is providing such legal services to this population of children in central Iowa. ICCJ’s services promote the practice of law and administration of justice by letting children’s voices be heard in high conflict custody litigation in a way that is orderly and in the best interests of the children and the court. 

ICCJ promotes the settlement of high conflict divorce and custody cases, which improves outcomes for children and their parents and promotes judicial efficiency.