Counsel for Kids offers technical assistance to state-level stakeholders seeking to change law, rule, or policy to guarantee the right to counsel for children and youth in dependency cases.  Ready to apply for technical assistance? Download the Application!

What is the Counsel for Kids campaign?

Counsel for Kids a national campaign to ensure the right to counsel for children and youth involved in abuse and neglect proceedings. The campaign consists of three integrated strategies: national resources and communications; state-level advocacy support and policy reform; and federal policy reform.

Is technical assistance effective?

Yes! Read Sarah Bryer Consulting’s executive summary of the initial outcome evaluation for the Counsel for Kids campaign.

What technical assistance is offered?

To support state-level advocacy and policy reform ensuring the right to counsel for children and youth, Counsel for kids offers a continuum of technical assistance (TA) services. Technical assistance services include policy analysis, data review, policy drafting/review, resource development, campaign strategy support, youth engagement, coalition building, and litigation strategies. These services are provided at no cost to selected sites. Counsel for Kids also develops fact-sheets, issue briefs, and other resources as part of our national right to counsel communications campaign.

Who can apply for technical assistance?

Counsel for Kids recognizes that a diverse range of stakeholders will lead the state-level policy reform efforts encouraged and supported by this campaign. Technical assistance may be offered to any state-level advocate or organization seeking to engage in strategic policy reform to ensure the right to counsel for children and youth involved in abuse and neglect proceedings. Counsel for Kids encourages individuals, groups, and organizations with varying levels of capacity to apply.

What happens after I submit a request for technical assistance?

Requests for TA generate exploratory conversations with National Association of Counsel for Children staff about prospective consultation, resources, and support options. NACC staff will assess campaign readiness and site needs.

What happens when my site is selected?

Counsel for Kids will support your efforts throughout the policy reform process. Selected sites will receive ongoing assistance with research, messaging, campaign strategy, and more. Sites selected for TA may also send representatives to participate in national campaign meetings.

**Please note this is not a program funding opportunity. It is an opportunity to request limited discretionary TA that may include consultation, support, relationship-building, mentoring, guidance, sharing of resources and information**

Questions?