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.
Arkansas adds limited right to counsel for parents in adoptions
A court must appoint counsel for a birth parent, but only for certain types of adoption and only with respect to filing or revoking consent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WA report finds improved outcomes, cost savings w/kid counsel
A new research report finds that children with counsel in child welfare cases have improved permanency outcomes and the State saves money.
Ithaca joins cities with universal tenant representation
Ithaca has passed a resolution supporting the right to counsel for tenants and provided an annual appropriation.
Minneapolis is 12th city to guarantee counsel for tenants
Minneapolis has enacted an ordinance providing a right to counsel for low-income tenants facing eviciton.
Treasury, HUD, AG urge right to counsel for tenants
A combined press release from the Treasury Department, HUD and AG"s Office urged states to use federal funding for right to counsel for tenants.
Texas app ct: dismissal of appointed atty due to alleged non-indigence was improper
A Texas Court of Appeals found error in a trial court's decision to dismiss a parent's appointed counsel on the grounds of non-indgience.
SD Supreme Court impoves child’s right to counsel
The South Dakota Supreme Court has said that attorneys for children must inform courts of a child's wishes in child welfare cases.
