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.
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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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
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In Re D.N. Dailey, Minor: NACC filed an amicus brief in Michigan regarding the federal law, research and best practices around legal guardianship.
NACC, 2024
- Amicus Brief
- Adoption
- Due Process
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In the Matter of Sapphire W.: NACC joined an amicus brief regarding the rights of non-respondent (“non-offending”) parents in child welfare cases.
NACC, 2024
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Parents
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In re A.H.: NACC filed an amicus brief arguing that the termination of the parent’s rights to their two youngest children was not strictly necessary to promote their best interest as they could have been placed in a guardianship with their older siblings at their grandparents’ home.
NACC, 2023
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Family Separation
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Haaland v. Brackeen: NACC and 30 children’s rights organizations filed an amicus brief urging the United States Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
Public Counsel, 2022
- Amicus Brief
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
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State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, et al. vs. Z.C., through his next friend, Lorenz Kaufman: NACC joined two amicus briefs arguing that due process requires the child welfare agency to provide foster youth with notice of the award of Social Security benefits, appointment as representative payee, and use of these benefits to cover foster care costs. (2/2)
NACC, August 2022
- Amicus Brief
- Benefits
- Due Process
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State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, et al. vs. Z.C., through his next friend, Lorenz Kaufman: NACC joined two amicus briefs arguing that due process requires the child welfare agency to provide foster youth with notice of the award of Social Security benefits, appointment as representative payee, and use of these benefits to cover foster care costs. (1/2)
NACC, June 2022
- Amicus Brief
- Benefits
- Due Process
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Abbott v. Doe: NACC joined an amicus brief opposing a Texas legal opinion advancing child abuse investigations for children receiving gender-affirming care.
NACC, 2022
- Amicus Brief
- Child Abuse Investigations
- Gender-Affirming Care
- LGBTQ+ Rights
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Ashley W., et al. v. Eric Holcomb, et al.: NACC and partners filed an amicus brief arguing that the abstention doctrine does not apply in the plaintiffs’ suit against Indiana’s Department of Child Services, its director, and the Governor of Indiana for several violations of their constitutional rights.
NACC, 2022
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
Become an NACC Member
Your Practice is our purpose
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