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.
NACC urges RTC for kids when CAPTA reauthorized
The National Association of Counsel for Children is urging Congress to require counsel for children when renewing the governing law.
Report: multidisciplinary rep for parents reduces foster care use
A comprehensive, multi-year study found that providing multidisciplinary representation for parents in child welfare cases improved outcomes.
Ninth Circuit twice dodges question of right to counsel for kids in immigration cases
Two federal cases sought a right to counsel for all immigrant children in deportation proceedings, but the Ninth Circuit avoided both cases.
Right to counsel – extreme risk protection orders
A respondent has a right to counsel in a proceeding relating to a protection order due to possession of firearms.
State adds right to counsel for extended foster care
A new New Mexico law adds voluntary extended foster care for children aging out and provides counsel for children who opt in.
Montana Supreme Court acts to protect parent right to counsel
The Montana Supreme Court found that a parent had not waived his right to counsel in an adoption case, and strengthened the waiver standard.
Report: Hennepin County MN tenants w/rep 2x more likely to stay in homes
A report on tenant representation Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid found that tenants experienced far better outcomes with counsel.
NJ court: counsel must be appointed prior to suspending driver’s licenses
A NJ trial court has held the state must appoint counsel prior to suspending a person's driver's license for inability to pay child support.
Vermont Supreme Court affirms right to counsel in contempt proceedings
The Vermont Supreme Court re-affirmed the right to counsel in contempt proceedings involving incarceration.
Texas court: failure to appoint counsel for parent was reversible error
An appellate court held the failure to advise a parent of the right to counsel in a TPR case, and delayed appointment, required reversal.
Acting on CT legislative task force suggestions, Legislature enacts DV representation pilot
A new DV representation pilot follows a recommendation of the legislative Task Force to Improve Access to Counsel in Civil Matters.
Appellate Court: Child’s right to counsel in adoptions is mandatory
A Louisiana court held that a child's right to counsel in adoption cases is not subject to waiver and must be strictly enforced.
