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.
Legislature passes discretionary appointment for some kids
In TPR matters brought based on commission of a sex offense resulting in conception of the child, the court may appoint counsel.
Nevada guarantees / strengthens counsel for children in abuse matters
A court must appoint counsel for a child in an abuse/neglect proceeding.
CO enacts RTC for parents in due process appeals where parent prevailed below
Parents of students with a disability have the right to counsel in due process appeals where they prevailed below.
Montana guarantees child-directed counsel for children
A court must appoint counsel for a child in an abuse or termination matter and may assign counsel for appeals.
Georgia expands right to counsel to children in deprivation cases who are receiving extended care youth services
Kids have a right to their own counsel due to a 2013 amendment. In 2023, the RTC was extended to kids receiving extended care youth services.
Mississippi expands child right to counsel in child welfare cases
Minors in abuse and terminations proceedings have the right to an attorney and a GAL, who may be the same person.
NM provides parents with counsel prior to the signing of a voluntary placement agreement
A parent or guardian has the right to counsel before signing, and for the duration of, a voluntary placement agreement.
All about Toledo’s right to counsel for tenants facing eviction
The City of Toledo has enacted legislation to guarantee counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction.
All about Louisville’s eviction right to counsel
Louisville is first the Southern city to enact an eviction right to counsel.
All about Houston’s right to counsel pilot programs
A project provides all tenants counsel in certain Houston housing courts.
U.S. rank on access to civil justice in Rule of Law Index: 116th out of 142 countries
The 2022 World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index ranked the U.S. 116th in the world on access to civil justice.
U.S. gets “C-” on access to counsel in housing cases
The latest Human Rights Report Card from the National Homelessness Law Center gives the United States a "C-" on security of housing tenure.
