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 Evan.Molinari@NACCchildlaw.org 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 […]
Author: counselforkids
Sarah Bryer Consulting Evaluates Counsel for Kids Campaign
Executive Summary of Initial Outcome Evaluation of NACC’s Counsel for Kids Campaign by Sarah Bryer Consulting In the spring of 2021, the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) launched a state-based “Counsel for Kids Campaign” (Campaign) to ensure the right to counsel for every child in the child welfare system. The Campaign incorporated twin […]
New Video: Counsel for Kids Promote Race Equity
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 […]
Providing high quality legal representation in child welfare cases provides better outcomes for kids – By Doris Fransein
“Every child in every family in every community deserves the chance to thrive. Often the best way to help a child is to make sure children and their families are supported and have access to high-quality legal representation in court-involved child welfare cases….” Read more in the Tulsa World.
Montana Legislators Advance Counsel for Kids Legislation
The Montana legislature supported several pieces of legislation to reform the child protection system, including one that would eventually mandate that children be represented in court by an attorney. Read more from Montana Free Press.
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 […]
Natalece Washington Discusses Counsel for Kids in Indiana on Child Advocates Podcast
NACC Policy Counsel Natalece Washington joined Cindy Booth, Rachel Vilensky, and Angela Cain on the Child Advocates podcast to talk about the need for legislation guaranteeing right to counsel for children in Indiana experiencing the child welfare system. Listen to the full episode!
Ashley Chase of Colorado Office of The Child’s Representative Discusses C4K Bill
Ashley Chase, a Representative at the Office of The Child’s Representative in Denver Colorado, speaks with Jon Caldara of Independence Institute to discuss a new bill in the Colorado Legislature.
The C4K Cheat Code Revealed: Collaborative Champions and Centering Lived Expertise
The momentum around Counsel for Kids (C4K) continued to grow during the 2022 legislative session, thanks to strong legislative champions and lived experience experts. Dedicated policy advocates buoyed C4K Campaign efforts in Colorado and Indiana this year. In each state, diverse coalitions of youth with lived experience in the child protection system, attorneys, foster parents, […]