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.