Selena had a lot going on as a high school student.  She was a mother to toddler, Jordan, and she was in an abusive relationship. 

Selena turned to her high school’s counselor for help on how to get out of her abusive relationship.

In response to her ask for assistance, the counselor contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to ask for their assistance. DCFS did not help. Instead, they investigated and indicated Selena for child neglect, for the sole reason that she was a survivor of domestic violence. 

It was then that Selena contacted Ascend Justice to help her appeal the finding of child neglect. With the help of our team and her pro bono attorneys from McDermott Will & Emery, Selena’s indicated finding of neglect was overturned.

Selena was, thankfully, able to move forward with her life with her son, Jordan, by her side. She has even found her passion of using her voice and experience to support other women experiencing domestic violence, and has become a volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual assault.