NACC Joins Sign-On Letters
- Opportunity Youth FY27 Appropriations Letter: This letter calls on congress to fortify funding for education and labor programs that support young people’s engagement in economic advancement.
- FY27 Children Mental Health Appropriations Letter: This letter raises concerns about the proposed termination of federal programs aimed at promoting perinatal and early childhood mental health in the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The letter urges Congress to maintain funding, training, and technical assistance for these vital mental health programs for fiscal year 2027.
- FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Organizational Sign-on Letter: NACC joined over 500 organizations in urging the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee Subcommittee to fully fund programs that meet the vital needs of families, communities, and local economies.
Policy Update
- NACC commented on Louisiana HB 584: NACC opposed the removal of foster youth rights, which are currently enshrined in statue. The bill would reframe foster youth rights as “privileges.”
Amicus News
- Decision In Re KW: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit delivered a favorable opinion in this case, in which NACC had participated along with other amici. The opinion affirms children’s right to family integrity under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments.
- Decision in Lawyers for Children/Host Home: The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the state’s Host Homes regulation must be annulled, aligning with the amicus position of NACC and partner organizations.
Counsel for Kids Update
The Counsel for Kids Campaign continues to closely monitor ongoing state legislative actions that would expand access to counsel for youth.
Colorado’s HB26-1227 clarifies that as parties in child welfare cases, children/youth have standing regarding all matters related to their interests and the right to have their GAL or Children’s Attorney fully represent those interests. The bill also states that youth have procedural rights to object to the agency’s attempt to dismiss their case. NACC submitted written letters of support to the committee members. Each chamber passed the bill and it now awaits Governor Polis’ signature.
Illinois’ HB 4966 would guarantee the right to client-directed counsel for youth 8 and older placed out-of-state. The proposal intends to reinforce the states continuing responsibility to children in out-of-state placements. The House Adoption and Child Welfare Committee passed the bill on March 24. NACC filed a witness slip in support. After debate and amendment on the House floor, it was transferred to the Senate for consideration by the Judiciary committee that recommended do pass. NACC filed a witness slip in support. The bill awaits a third reading, which must occur before May 31 per Senate rules.
Counsel for Kids on EPPiC Podcast
NACC’s Chief Legal Officer Allison Green and Policy Counsel Natalece Washington joined the EPPiC Podcast to discuss Expanding Access to Counsel for Children in Child Welfare Cases.