Civil RTC News
This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don’t fit into a neat category.
All about Washington State’s groundbreaking eviction right to counsel
In April 2021, Washington State became the first state with a statewide right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
All about Denver’s right to counsel
Denver has enacted an ordinance to guarantee counsel for tenants facing eviction.
All about HUD’s Eviction Protection Grant Program
Four rounds of HUD grants are providing funding to legal services providers to represent tenants facing eviction.
LA removes RTC loophole for children
The court must appoint counsel for all children in termination of parental rights cases.
Minnesota enacts law to protect Black families
Minnesota has finally enacted the "Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act."
Minnesota strengthens right to counsel for Indian custodians and parents of Indian children
An indigent parent or parents or Indian custodians have the right to counsel in any state child placement matter.
Mississippi finally guarantees counsel for parents in termination cases
The state passed SB 2792, providing right to counsel to all indigent parents in termination of parental rights cases.
Federal rule change opens up funding for civil legal rep
A change to Title IV-E opens up matching federal funding for civil legal representation connected to foster care proceedings.
All About D.C.’s RTC pilots
The D.C. Council appropriated $4.5 million for housing eviction defense with an eye towards a right to counsel in housing cases.
All about the right to counsel for tenants in San Francisco
A ballot initiative passed in June 2018 guarantees counsel for San Francisco tenants in eviction cases regardless of income.
Studies measure Chattanooga tenant rep pilot impact
Several reports examining Chattaooga's Eviction Prevention Initiative find it has a number of benefits.
GA law permits attorney ad litem appointment to review DFCS’s decision NOT to terminate parental rights
If DFCS decides not to file a TPR petition, the court may appoint an attorney ad litem for the child to review that decision.
