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.
NH enacts right to counsel for certain children
A court is required to appoint counsel for children placed in certain institutions and may appoint counsel for all others.
Our statement on Grants Pass
The NCCRC speaks out against the U.S. Supreme Court's decision criminalizing homelessness.
Bills aimed to protect incarcerated birth parents and their children
Three bills sought to provide due process protections to incarcerated birth parents and their children in the event of a child removal.
NCCRC works with Congressional members to fix appointment of counsel problem in federal courts
A bill drafted by the NCCRC seeks to fix the problem with federal courts being unable to appoint counsel for pro se federal litigants.
Minnesota expands tenant RTC law
Expands public housing tenants qualify for an eviction right to counsel.
Illinois considers tenant right to counsel bills
The legislature introduced three bills related to the tenant right to counsel, including one bill that would have provided broader protections.
Minnesota enacts law to protect Black families
Minnesota has finally enacted the "Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act."
LA removes RTC loophole for children
The court must appoint counsel for all children in termination of parental rights cases.
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.
Minnesota passes bill strengthening right to counsel for Indian children
Indian children in any state child placement proceeding have the right to counsel if they are 10 years of age or older.
No such proceeding
Services may be provided consensually. The department may remove a guardian or terminate guardianship through an action in probate.
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.