NACC Amicus Curiae Program
NACC has contributed numerous amicus curiae briefs to federal and state appellate courts, pursuing justice for children and families.
NACC promotes the legal interests of children through amicus curiae (friend of the court) briefs in state and federal appellate courts.
To request NACC’s participation as amicus curiae in a case, please review NACC’s Amicus Curiae Policies and Procedures, then download and complete the NACC Amicus Curiae Request Form.
Please note that NACC only considers cases that are at the appellate level of review.
Amicus Curiae Links
Practitioner Resources
AMICUS CURIAE FILING GUIDE
This guide explains the process to file amicus briefs in state appellate courts. It examines the appropriate roles of amicus curiae, preparation strategies, writing techniques, and summarizes state rules governing amicus practice.
SAMPLE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF
This is a sample amicus brief to use as template or reference for attorneys to write their own amicus brief.
Amicus Curiae Brief Summaries
For over four decades, NACC has advanced justice for children and families in state and federal level amicus briefs.
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In re K.B. – NACC and partners filed this amicus brief in the Supreme Court of Maryland opposing the exclusion of a young person from her own dependency hearing.
NACC, April 2026
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Policy
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In re E.L. and D.L. v. Adams County Sheriff et. al. – NACC joined partners to oppose a ban on in-person family time for parents experiencing incarceration. The Petitioner’s motion to show cause was denied.
NACC, March 31, 2026
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Parents
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Lawyers for Children et. al.v. New York OCFS – NACC joined partners in an amicus brief challenging a “host homes” regulation that exceeded its authority and included insufficient due process protections.
NACC, January 2026
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Regulations
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In the Matter of Liam M. et. al. v. ACS, – NACC joined an amicus brief arguing against unnecessary and unlawful family surveillance in a matter in which intrafamily violence was alleged.
NACC, November 2025
- Amicus Brief
- Child Abuse Investigations
- Due Process
- Parents
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In the Interest of Minor Child, B.J.S. – NACC joined an amicus brief authored by Colorado’s Office of the Child’s Representative arguing that the child, through client-directed counsel, should be permitted to file the same pleadings (TPR) as the GAL.
NACC, August 2025
- Amicus Brief
- Counsel for Kids
- Right to Counsel
- Systems Level Resource
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CLSEPA et. al. v. HHS et. al.: NACC and 23 children’s rights organizations filed this amicus brief educating the Ninth Circuit about the importance of counsel for kids.
NACC, June 2025
- Amicus Brief
- Immigration
- Right to Counsel
- Systems Level Resource
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Ocean S.: NACC and partners filed this brief in the Ninth Circuit, explaining the importance and effectiveness of federal courts as forums for systemic relief for young people in foster care.
NACC, June 2025
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Policy
- Systems Level Resource
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Jonathan R. v. Morrissey et. al: NACC joined a coalition of amici in a Fourth Circuit brief regarding the importance of federal courts to seek redress for harms experienced while in foster care.
NACC, May 20, 2025
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Systems Level Resource
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K.W. and K.A. v. City of New York et. al.: NACC and partners filed an amicus brief in New York about the harms of removal and children’s related constitutional rights
NACC, April 2025
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Family Separation
- Parents
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In the matter of Lukas B. & Joe B. v. NYC Administration for Children’s Services: NACC joined a coalition of amici urging the New York Court of Appeals to review and reverse a lower court ruling finding that a prospective father had neglected his unborn child solely because he did not effectively prevent his pregnant partner’s drug abuse.
NACC, 2025
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Parents
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M.D. v. Abbott: NACC joined partners to file an amicus brief in this appeal of a contempt order arising from a Texas class action case
NACC, 2024
- Amicus Brief
- Disability Rights
- Due Process
Become an NACC Member
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Join the NACC Community! NACC provides training and resources to attorneys, advocates, and professionals who work in child welfare law. NACC also works to improve the system alongside children and families. NACC promotes excellence, builds community, and advances justice.
Benefits of Membership
- The Guardian law journal
- Member Webinars
- Listserv
- Annual conference discount
- Discount on trainings, CWLS certification, and publications