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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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 joined partners in an amicus brief urging the United States Supreme Court to accept cert on the question of the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
SCOTUS, 2021
- Amicus Brief
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
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Flores v. Barr: NACC joined an amicus brief requesting affirmance of the district court’s ruling ordering continued compliance with the Flores Settlement Agreement and permanently enjoining the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from implementing the New Regulations.
NACC, 2020
- Amicus Brief
- Regulations
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In re L.I. and H.D.K.: NACC and other legal services organizations filed an amicus brief arguing that parents’ counsel should be appointed upon the filing of a petition for custody or family supervision.
NACC, 2020
- Amicus Brief
- Due Process
- Right to Counsel
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In re S.B.: NACC filed an amicus brief contending that S.B., a non-verbal older youth, was denied his due process and statutory rights when his counsel was prohibited from using the substituted judgment model to advocate for the Nevada court’s continued jurisdiction over S.B. after his eighteenth birthday.
NACC, 2020
- Amicus Brief
- Disability Rights
- Due Process
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In re R.S.: NACC filed an amicus brief asking the Maryland Court of Appeals to rule that the ICPC does not apply to non-custodial out-of-state parents.
NACC, 2020
- Amicus Brief
- Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC)
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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)
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