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.
NCCRC recognizes the eviction right to counsel movement’s movers and shakers
In January 2022, We celebrated the eviction right to counsel movement and its leaders.
MD high court: Right to counsel for patients facing forced medication
The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that involuntarily committed patients objecting to medication have a right to counsel.
CA joins states guaranteeing counsel in conservatorship cases
A 2021 change to the law guarantees appointment of counsel in conservatorship cases.
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.
New polling data shows strong support for eviction right to counsel
Data for Progress has released new polling data showing the American public strongly supports a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
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.
MA enacts law requiring appointment of counsel for kinship caregivers in certain situations
A 2020 law requires a court to provide counsel for kinship caregivers in certain situations.
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.
