State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, et al. vs. Z.C., through his next friend, Lorenz Kaufman:  NACC joined two amicus briefs arguing that due process requires the child welfare agency to provide foster youth with notice of the award of Social Security benefits, appointment as representative payee, and use of these benefits to cover foster care costs. (2/2)

State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, et al. vs. Z.C., through his next friend, Lorenz Kaufman:  NACC joined two amicus briefs arguing that due process requires the child welfare agency to provide foster youth with notice of the award of Social Security benefits, appointment as representative payee, and use of these benefits to cover foster care costs. (1/2)

Rockett v. Eighmy: NACC filed an amicus brief arguing that a family court judge, who detained siblings and threatened to place them in foster care because they did not want to live with their mother, is not entitled to judicial immunity.

Ashley W., et al. v. Eric Holcomb, et al.: NACC and partners filed an amicus brief arguing that the abstention doctrine does not apply in the plaintiffs’ suit against Indiana’s Department of Child Services, its director, and the Governor of Indiana for several violations of their constitutional rights. 

In re J.F. and J.A.F.: NACC joined an amicus brief arguing that a child is entitled to independent counsel in abuse, neglect, and TPR cases in which the child’s wishes differ from the recommendations of the GAL.

Jonathan R., et al. v. Jim Justice, et al.: NACC and several nonprofit organizations filed an amicus brief arguing that the district court erred by abstaining from hearing the plaintiffs’ federal claims since they did not implicate the abstention doctrine. 

Nicole K., by Next Friend Linda R., et al. v. Terry J.  Stigdon, Director, Indiana Department of Child Services, et al.: NACC joined an amicus brief requesting that the United States Supreme Court review the Seventh Circuit’s decision to abstain from hearing a federal case challenging the denial of legal counsel in Indiana dependency proceedings.

In re J.F. and J.A.F.: NACC joined legal services organizations in filing an amicus brief urging the Ohio Supreme Court to clarify a child’s right to independent counsel in abuse, neglect, or TPR cases and the standard for appointment of counsel.

In re Adoption of M.M.F. & In re Adoption of Y.E.F.: NACC joined an amicus brief supporting indigent parents’ right to counsel in Ohio private adoption cases.

In re L.I. and H.D.K.: NACC and other legal services organizations filed an amicus brief arguing that parents’ counsel should be appointed upon the filing of a petition for custody or family supervision.