All NACC News

NACC Statement Opposing Efforts to Redefine Child Abuse to Include Gender Affirming Care

Wednesday February 23, 2022

The National Association of Counsel for Children strongly opposes any efforts to change the definition of of child abuse to include “gender affirming care” as referenced by the Texas Attorney General’s non-binding opinion and Governor Abbott’s letter instructing the Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate any such accusations.

These attempts to change the definition of child abuse in Texas do not create new law and are not legally binding. Instead, these so-called directives shamefully play politics with the health, safety, and wellbeing of transgender youth.

As an organization committed to advancing the rights, well-being, and opportunities of youth in child protection proceedings, we urge Texas leadership to reject attempts to use child abuse designations meant to shield children as swords that hold great potential to harm children.

This position aligns with our Policy Agenda and previous letter opposing Texas S.B. 1646.

Recent NACC News

All News

  • July 2025 Policy Updates

    July 10, 2025

    NACC Joins Sign-On Letters Amicus Other Resource Counsel for Kids To support state-level advocacy and policy reform ensuring the right to counsel for children and youth, NACC offers a continuum...

  • NACC Celebrates 2025 Promoting Excellence Award Winners

    July 8, 2025

    NACC is pleased to announce the 2025 winners of the Promoting Excellence Awards. Each year, NACC honors lawyers, law students, and children’s law offices or agencies that raise the bar...

  • June 2025 Policy Updates

    June 5, 2025

    NACC Joins Sign-On Letters NACC Submits Comment Amicus Counsel for Kids Legislative Updates Legislative Session Wrap-Up The legislative session in most states has ended. State lawmakers considered bills to ensure high-quality...