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.
Minnesota makes parent counsel mandatory in abuse/neglect cases
A 2021 bill changed the law such that appointment of counsel for parents in abuse/neglect cases is mandatory, not discretionary.
Discretionary appointment of counsel
The court may appoint counsel for Missouri children in truancy cases, which are treated as "child in need of care or treatment" matters.
Right to counsel
Indigent parents in termination of parental rights cases have the right to counsel, and counsel shall be appointed if the parent desires.
WA State guarantees counsel for many children in child welfare cases
As the result of 2021 legislation, many Washington State children are now guaranteed independent counsel in child welfare cases.
Right to counsel
A 2021 law guarantees counsel for children in abuse and termination cases provided the children are of sufficient age and maturity.
Arizona establishes right to counsel for kids in child welfare cases
Juveniles have the right to appointed counsel in abuse/neglect and TPR proceedings regardless of indigency.
Santa Monica explores eviction right to counsel
Santa Monica has taken steps to move towards a right to counsel in eviction cases.
Seattle becomes eighth city with eviction right to counsel
A bill enacted by the Seattle City Council provides a right to counsel for all low-income tenants facing eviction.
PA Superior Court: appointed counsel must represent if likelihood of imprisonment
The PA Superior Court instructs that on remand, so long as there is a likelihood of imprisonment, appointed counsel must continue to represent.
Supreme Court of Hawaii ruling strengthens parents’ right to counsel in child welfare cases
The Supreme Court of Hawaii has ruled that parents must be appointed counsel for all types of child welfare cases upon filing of the petition.
Mississippi pilots show significant benefit of counsel in child welfare cases
Pilot projects in Mississippi showed that parents benefit significantly when given access to legal counsel.
Trial court abused its discretion in failing to appoint counsel for parent
A Louisiana appellate court reversed an adoption because the trial court failed to determine if the birth parent was entitled to counsel.
