Pegasus Legal Services For Children – Albuquerque, NM

Champions for Children’s Rights

Pegasus Legal Services For Children is a unique non-profit law firm based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, dedicated exclusively to the civil legal needs of children and youth. Founded in 2002 by attorneys Tara Ford and Liz McGrath, the organization was born out of a recognition that children in the legal system often lack a voice. Today, Pegasus stands as a beacon of hope, providing high-quality legal representation to some of the state’s most vulnerable populations, including children in foster care, homeless youth, and grandparents raising grandchildren. Their mission is to promote and defend the rights of children to safe, stable homes, quality education, and healthcare.

Specialized Youth Advocacy

Pegasus offers a range of specialized programs that address the specific legal challenges faced by minors and their caregivers:

• Kinship Guardianship: assisting grandparents and other relatives in securing legal guardianship of children when parents are unable to care for them, ensuring stability without the need for state custody.
• Youth Law Project: Providing legal aid to homeless and runaway youth, helping them access education, housing, and medical care independently.
• Special Education: Advocating for the educational rights of children with disabilities to ensure they receive the services they are entitled to under the law.
• Abuse and Neglect: Representing the expressed interests of children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings, ensuring their wishes are heard by the court.

A Community Resource

Located in the Bank of the West Centre on Marquette Avenue NW, Pegasus serves as a vital resource for the entire state, although its physical office is in downtown Albuquerque. The organization believes that a child’s ability to access justice should not depend on their ability to pay, which is why they offer their services free of charge to qualifying clients. The staff includes bilingual attorneys and advocates who are committed to overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers. By empowering youth and supporting caregivers, Pegasus Legal Services For Children works tirelessly to build a future where every child is safe, valued, and heard.