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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

  • NACC Updates Policy Framework

    September 27, 2023

    In August, NACC’s Board of Directors approved a new policy framework for NACC. The updated policy framework reaffirms NACC’s founding beliefs in high-quality legal representation and access to justice in...

  • Counsel for Kids Service Opportunity

    September 12, 2023

    Counsel for Kids Campaign Seeks Lived Experience Experts. Interest Meeting October 12 via Zoom. What is the National Association of Counsel for Children?   The National Association of Counsel for Children...

  • September 2023 Policy Updates

    September 7, 2023

    NACC Supports Legislation for Youth and Families NACC endorsed the Support the Homeless Children and Youth Act and joined a coalition of organizations to comment on federal policies that affect children experiencing homelessness....