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January Policy Updates

Thursday January 12, 2023

Illinois and Montana Legislation to Advance Children’s Right to Counsel

Governor Pritzker signed Illinois Senate Bill 1720 into law on January 9, requiring the Department of Children and Family Services to maximize federal resources to support quality legal representation for children involved in foster care legal proceedings

Montana House Bill 37 would require the appointment of legal counsel to any child subject to abuse and neglect court proceedings notwithstanding the appointment of a guardian  ad litem. The House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on the bill on January 10. NACC Policy Counsel Natalece Washington offered  written and  public comments (@9:55) in support of counsel for kids.

NACC Supports Legislation to Address Racial Disparities and Strengthen Tribal Families

NACC endorsed a bill to clarify that Title II funds can be used by State Advisory Groups to address racial and ethnic disparities in the youth legal system and joined a letter asking the Senate Finance Committee to support the Strengthening Tribal Families Act.

Recent NACC News

All News

  • Call for Applications – NACC’s National Advisory Council on Children’s Legal Representation

    March 17, 2023

    What is the National Association of Counsel for Children, or NACC?   The National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) is a nonprofit advocacy and membership association that supports and trains...

  • March Policy Updates

    March 2, 2023

    Pending Legislation Around the Country would Advance Children’s Right to Counsel State legislatures in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Montana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma are considering legislation...

  • February Policy Updates

    February 2, 2023

    Call for Public Comment on NACC Draft Policy Framework NACC seeks input on how it should advance justice for children, parents, and families. NACC invites members in good standing and...