NACC Joined a Sign-On Letter
NACC joined a sign-on letter to the House and Senate urging them to pass a final Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations bill by the end of 2024. The letter encouraged robust investments in federal programs that reconnect opportunity youth to the education and workforce system.
Title IV-B Reauthorization Passes
On December 21, H.R. 9076 (the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act) passed the Senate by unanimous consent, after previously passing the House in September. NACC previously joined partners to support this effort and now to thank congressional champions. The act contains several provisions applicable to the courts, including enhancements to the Court Improvement Program and a new requirement that state agencies inform children and their parents, guardians, and custodians about available independent legal representation.
Eyes on Counsel for Kids Policy Development
The 2025 state legislative sessions are now underway. The Counsel for Kids campaign will track and provide supportive advocacy for legislation that would establish or expand the right to counsel and/or improve the quality of legal representation for children in neglect and abuse proceedings. State stakeholders anticipate relevant legislation in Arizona, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and South Carolina. Each month updates on C4K legislation will be provided in The Advocate. If you are in a state seeking to advance or improve children’s right to counsel, the Counsel for Kids campaign may be able to support your efforts throughout the policy reform process. Visit our technical assistance page to learn more.