Iowa Joins Trend of States Moving Toward Client-Directed Legal Representation
On February 8, the Iowa judiciary subcommittee held a public hearing to consider House File 2209, which would require the appointment of legal counsel for children ten and older and the appointment of a GAL attorney for children under ten. Current Iowa law mandates GAL attorneys for all children. NACCLR member Kayla Powell testified in support of the bill. NACC submitted a letter of support. The subcommittee passed the bill on February 12, and the full committee approved it on February 19 and renumbered it as HF 2580.
NACC Advocates for Children, Families, and Young Adults
NACC signed letters to the Senate and Senate Leadership urging them to make the Child Tax Credit permanent to help lift children and families out of poverty. NACC also signed a letter urging Congress to ensure young people have the option to remain in foster care until age 21.