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 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.
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.
Federal rule change opens up funding for civil legal rep
A change to Title IV-E opens up matching federal funding for civil legal representation connected to foster care proceedings.
All About D.C.’s RTC pilots
The D.C. Council appropriated $4.5 million for housing eviction defense with an eye towards a right to counsel in housing cases.
All about the right to counsel for tenants in San Francisco
A ballot initiative passed in June 2018 guarantees counsel for San Francisco tenants in eviction cases regardless of income.
Studies measure Chattanooga tenant rep pilot impact
Several reports examining Chattaooga's Eviction Prevention Initiative find it has a number of benefits.
GA law permits attorney ad litem appointment to review DFCS’s decision NOT to terminate parental rights
If DFCS decides not to file a TPR petition, the court may appoint an attorney ad litem for the child to review that decision.
Nebraska enacts right to counsel for certain public housing tenants
In 2024, Nebraska enacted a right to appointed counsel for public housing residents in certain cities for administrative hearings & evictions.
The NCCRC celebrates Fair Housing Month
As the Fair Housing Act celebrates its 56th anniversary, we at the NCCRC take a moment to acknowledge its critical role in housing justice.
Bill would have provided RTC to persons in child abuse registry matters
The Arizona Senate bill was enacted, but the right to counsel provisions were removed through amendment.
Appellate court finds withdrawal of mother’s attorney violated fundamental fairness
An appellate court reversed termination of a mother's parental rights where the trial court allowed her attorney to withdraw the day of trial.
Lawsuit challenging failure to appoint lawyers for foreclosed NY homeowners settles
A lawsuit by the NYCLU challenging the failure of NY courts to determine whether foreclosed homeowners should be appointed counsel has settled.
