CELC was the lead partner on the KIND UK project from 2017 to 2025, when it transitioned to the KIND UK Network. We continue to be an active partner in the project, providing support and information to children, families, social workers, and legal professionals as part of an innovative and successful pro bono initiative.
For more information about CELC, please see our main site at centralenglandlc.org.uk
This site is adapted from the content of the KIND UK website to 2025. There may be some residual references in resources and posts to the KIND UK collaboration. For more information about the KIND UK project, please see kidsinneedofdefense.org.uk
215,000 children
An estimated 215,000 children in the UK are undocumented, and experience a variety of challenges in their childhood and adult life as a consequence. In the most extreme cases, children without status become liable to removal or deportation to countries they have never been to and which they have no connection to; but many more children become adults without the citizenship and security to which they are entitled.
If you think you, or a child you know or work with, may need our service, you can get help by filling in our referral form. Children outside the Midlands and London should be referred to the central kidsinneedofdefense.org.uk service
800 lawyers
CELC works with more than 800 volunteer lawyers across a variety of firms, to provide casework, advice and representation to the children and families who need our help the most. We provide consultant expertise and supervision services on cases placed at top-tier law firms, allowing our clients to get access to high quality, expert representation at no cost.
A wealth of knowledge and experience
We also maintain resources for the general public, for social workers, and for lawyers, to help everyone understand the law relating to children’s citizenship. Our library of resources sits alongside training for social workers and other organisations.
