Author: counselforkids

Montana Passes Counsel for Kids Legislation

Last week, Montana passed Senate Bill 148, which guarantees right to counsel for children experiencing the child protection system by statute. With the passage of this law, Montana becomes the 37th state to guarantee counsel for kids. The law requires the court to appoint Expressed/Stated-Interest legal counsel in all dependency cases. The Counsel for Kids […]

NACC Releases Policymaker’s Guide to Counsel for Kids as States Fail to Guarantee Legal Representation, Tap Federal Funds 

First comprehensive, state-level policy paper to address woeful lack of legal representation for children experiencing the child protection system.  April 26, 2023  Contact: Evan Molinari  339-707-0406  [email protected]  DENVER, CO. – As states grapple with the unfulfilled promise of justice for all, the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) releases the first comprehensive, state-level guide […]

Pending Legislation Across the Country to Advance Children’s Right to  Counsel

Momentum is building around the country to ensure counsel for kids experiencing the child protection system. Florida Senate Bill 488 would expand the categories of dependent children who are entitled to counsel and require the state agency to work directly with the Justice Administrative Commission to obtain Title IV-E funds for children’s legal representation. The bill […]

CBS Sunday Morning Underscores Systemic Problems; Counsel for Kids is Part of the Solution

Earlier this week, CBS Sunday Morning news shared the experiences of Vanessa Peoples, Samantha Mungai, and their respective families, with the child protection system. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSC1IKHrKt4  The report underscored racial and economic injustice in the system and the impossible choices families often face. It also grappled with the fact that family separation often harms children.  The […]