Impact Litigation

Ropes & Gray LLP and DC KinCare Alliance have filed two additional federal lawsuits against the District of Columbia and the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) for violating the rights of multiple low-income D.C. children and their relative caregivers under federal and D.C. laws.

Judge Ana Reyes denied DC’s Motion to Dismiss with respect to the federal Social Security Act and DC Child Abuse and Neglect and tort law claims.

DC KinCare Alliance and the DC Housing Authority are pleased to jointly announce that they have resolved their differences and reached a settlement in regard to the litigation pending between the parties in the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

DC argues that “so-called ‘kinship diversion’ is not prohibited by any federal or local law.”

Plaintiffs C.G.1, C.G.2, C.G.3, N.G. S.K, K.H., K.J., M.M., L.E., L.C., and T.C.1 respectfully submit this memorandum of points and authorities in opposition to the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) and the DC Child and Family Services Agency’s (“CFSA”) (collectively, the “Defendants”) Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ Complaint (the “Motion to Dismiss” or “Motion”). For the reasons […]

Defendants the District of Columbia and Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) (collectively, the District) move to dismiss plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint with prejudice under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).

DC KinCare Alliance, represented by Wiley Rein LLP, filed a federal lawsuit this week in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the DC Housing Authority for discriminating against kinship caregivers by violating the federal Fair Housing Act, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause.

DC KinCare Alliance and George Washington University Law School Public Justice Advocacy Clinic file litigation against MPD for violating DC FOIA requirements by failing to provide requested documents related to its decisions not to prosecute cases involving child physical and sexual abuse, child trafficking, and child fatalities.  

Foster Kinship contends that CFSA discriminates when it diverts children and refuses to license their kin caregivers as foster parents, which results in various harms, including being denied access to the benefits, support, and protections given to foster parents.

The Alliance for Children’s Rights files a Brief for Amicus Curiae contending DC’s diversion practice fails to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of abused and neglected children.

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project files Amicus Curiae Brief contending DC’s diversion practices are illegal.

Judge Hogan orders six federal cases consolidated. The March 2021 cases are stayed pending rulings on the Motions to Dismiss in the KS and SK cases. Oral argument on the MTD is scheduled for July 28, 2021 at 11:00 am.  Members of the public may listen on: 1-877-402-9753, Code: 6258087#.

DC KinCare Alliance and the law firm of Ropes & Gray LLP file four additional federal lawsuits on behalf of nine plaintiffs.  In total, DC KinCare Alliance and Ropes & Gray have filed six lawsuits on behalf of 20 plaintiffs challenging CFSA’s illegal practice of hidden foster care, also known as kinship diversion.

DC KinCare Alliance and the law firm of Ropes & Gray LLP file second federal lawsuit on behalf of five plaintiffs challenging the DC Child and Family Services Agency’s ongoing, illegal practice of “Kinship Diversion.”

DC KinCare Alliance files Complaint against DC on behalf of six adult and child plaintiffs alleging DC’s practice of Hidden Foster Care violates DC and federal laws.

DC KinCare Alliance and the law firm Ropes & Gray LLP file a federal lawsuit against the District of Columbia and the DC Child and Family Services Agency for violating the rights of six plaintiffs under DC and federal laws.