Provides legal referral services and guidance on hiring a lawyer through a bar association directory. FindLegalHelp.org
Everyone working in the United States has rights and protections, no matter how old they are or where they come from. If you are under 18, you have additional, special protection.
Labor laws are different depending on your job and the city and state where you work. Also, the laws are different for jobs on farms. Sometimes, employers might not follow the rules, which can lead to labor exploitation.
For example, an employer may require you to work more hours than they are supposed to or ask a young worker to do work that is dangerous and not allowed for people their age. To learn more, check out KIND’s flyer Want to work? You have rights! as well as these videos.
The information below can help you learn more about rights in the workplace and rights for young workers, find a lawyer or, job training programs, and additional resources.
If you or someone you know is experiencing labor exploitation, you can ask an attorney about your options. If you do not have an attorney, you can use the following resources to find an organization or attorney in your area that can help. Some organizations provide free legal services. Other attorneys may request a fee for a consultation. KIND does not provide legal representation for labor and employment matters.
Provides legal referral services and guidance on hiring a lawyer through a bar association directory. FindLegalHelp.org
Provides referrals to nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state and territory, free legal rights resources, court forms, and self-advocacy tools. LawHelp sites partner with dozens of nonprofit legal aid, pro bono, court-based programs, and libraries across the country committed to access to justice. LawHelp.org | Find free legal help and information about your legal rights from nonprofit legal aid providers in your state.
NELA has a Find a Lawyer tool that helps members of the public identify local employment lawyers who can help with a labor rights case. These lawyers will charge fees. Find-A-Lawyer – NELA Exchange
You can also request a list of members in your state, if available, by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
National Employment Lawyers Association
Attorney Listing
1800 Sutter Street
Suite 210
Concord, CA 94520
If you want to learn more about how to protect yourself in the workplace or what laws exist to protect you as a young worker, visit the websites of the federal government agencies. These websites include information about federal labor laws and state labor laws.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, these hotlines can help:
If you are looking for opportunities for youth employment and job training, you may use the following resources to search for job training and apprenticeships that are sponsored by the federal government and may help you with your career development. Each program has different requirements so, contact specific programs for additional information.
Information about what apprenticeship is as well as available roles for youth between 16 and 24 years old. Generally, Apprenticeship USA participants meet citizenship, residency, DACA, or other approved status requirements.
Information about an education and job training program for youth between 16 and 24 years old. Generally, Job Corps participants must meet citizenship, residency, DACA, or other approved status requirements.
These programs provide career and training services to millions of job seekers. These services include job search assistance, workforce preparation, and career development services. These services are available to workers and businesses through a network of approximately 2,400 locations nationwide, also known as One-Stop Career Centers. Generally, Workforce Program participants must meet citizenship, residency, DACA, or other approved status requirements.
If you want to learn more about workers’ unions, visit the following websites which explain unions and the laws that protect workers who want to organize to defend their rights.
Provides information about workers’ organizing rights and protections against retaliation.
Hear firsthand accounts from unaccompanied children, highlighting their stories of resilience and hope.
KIND is championing sustainable strategies to prevent and mitigate labor exploitation of unaccompanied children and youth.