A Better Childhood fights for children who are abused, neglected, and irreversibly damaged while dependent on child welfare systems. Our work challenges existing structures to improve the lives of children, whether they are in state custody or reliant on the state for protection. We form powerful alliances with local law firms, community organizations, and child advocates who recognize that too many children are suffering needlessly and at public expense. Using the power of the courts, we develop new legal theories and apply existing law to reform the various states' foster care and other child welfare systems. Then, we stay engaged, monitoring the states' responses, until we produce results for children.