Montgomery Child Advocacy Project

Our Mission

MCAP is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Norristown, Pennsylvania. We provide free legal representation to children who are the victims of abuse and neglect in Montgomery County. Every day in Montgomery County, children suffer abuse and neglect. Too often, they are harmed by someone close to them, often a family member. MCAP attorney advocates represent and protect the interests of these vulnerable children, offering them representation and support as they participate in the legal and social service arenas. As a unique victim's agency, MCAP provides child victims with a voice, helping them heal and learn to trust others.

Although the need for MCAP was recognized as early as 1999, we were formally incorporated in 2004. MCAP was organized to provide pro bono legal services for cases involving children who are victims of abuse and or neglect including, but not limited to physical abuse, sexual abuse, gross neglect, medical neglect, endangerment, dependency, as well as child witnesses to serious crime. These children range in age from newborn to 18 years and span every socioeconomic background.

As a one-of-a-kind organization, MCAP is recognized as an integral service and is supported by the courts of Montgomery County. MCAP receives referrals for child abuse cases from the judges and courts of Montgomery County, the District Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, Office of Children and Youth, police departments, schools, hospitals, and private social agencies. These organizations identified an ongoing problem in the current legal system where abused and neglected children were part of the legal and social service arenas without anyone to represent their specific needs while the perpetrator had legal representation. MCAP advocates carry three or four cases each year, in addition to their regular practice of law. They form critical and long-lasting relationships with child victims to ensure that they ultimately live in a safe stable environment.

MCAP has grown into a vital resource for the many abused children in Montgomery County. As word continues to spread across the county, more and more new cases and referrals come in daily. Sadly, the evaluation of our success comes from our ever-increasing numbers. Child abuse, child neglect, and child endangerment are pervasive, long-standing problems. With the incidences of poverty, addiction, pornography, and internet predators on the rise, child abuse remains an insidious occurrence. MCAP advocates provide support and legal expertise to many needy children who otherwise would be left without someone to protect them.