Founded in 1977, the National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the rights, well-being, and opportunities of children and families impacted by the child welfare system through access to high-quality legal representation. Our vision: Every child and family involved with the court system is well-represented by a lawyer who works to ensure that every child is raised by a nurturing family and has positive life opportunities. NACC believes all children involved in child welfare proceedings need lawyers who are well-trained to achieve the best possible outcomes– outcomes where children are raised on a path toward success in loving and supportive families. We also believe the child welfare court system works best when all parties – children, parents, and social service agencies – are represented by high-quality, well-trained lawyers. NACC provides programs and resources that improve the quality of legal representation for children, parents and agencies; we support a community of hard-working and dedicated professionals and help attract and retain diverse talent in the children’s legal advocacy profession; and we advocate for policies that advance rights, including the right to counsel for children and parents.
External link for National Association of Counsel for Children
1600 Downing Street
Suite 410
Denver, CO 80218, US
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated NACC staff for their invaluable contributions to the Your Case, Your Rights project. Special appreciation to Cristal Ramirez, Evan Molinari, Kim Dvorchak, and Allison Green for their outstanding work. We also extend our gratitude to NACCLR members for their invaluable feedback and participation in advancing our mission. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. To learn more about our project and team, please visit: https://buff.ly/3W61OLi #yourcaseyourrights #fosteryouthbillofrights #NACC
Online Conference scholarship application closes today! You won't want to miss our 47th National Child Welfare Law Online Conference, happening September 11-13. Apply for the scholarship now: https://buff.ly/3VYqCVv #NACC2024
Who doesn't love a good conference session? NACC can't wait to hear from this team of presenters: 👉 Ayesha Elaine Lewis, JD of Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) 👉Nesta Johnson, JD of NCLR – National Center for Lesbian Rights 👉 Shomari Ward, JD of Youth Represent Register so you can join us: https://buff.ly/47Rj0Y5 #NACC2024
NACC had the pleasure of having Jade Garza serve as Research Lead. Jade conducted research for the guide and journal on state bills of rights and led focus groups. Jade also compiled information for this project and identified key themes. NACC is thrilled to have such a dedicated Research Lead for our Your Case, Your Rights Guide. To learn more about our project and team, please visit our website. Visit: https://buff.ly/3W61OLi
Join us in congratulating Legal Counsel for Youth and Children for being NACC's 2024 Outstanding Children's Law Office recipient! Since 2010, Legal Counsel for Youth and Children has provided holistic representation to young people experiencing the child welfare system, the juvenile legal system, and other legal challenges in Washington State. The large number of supporting nominations NACC received from community partners in Washington reflects how LCYC has become an essential legal lifeline for young people in need, and also how LCYC’s expertise, partnership, and legal advocacy elevate the quality of care youth receive across organizations. We can't wait to celebrate Legal Counsel for Youth and Children at the the 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference! Learn more about LCYC: https://buff.ly/3zyqQdc
Join us in congratulating Michelle Pappas, JD, MSW for being NACC's 2024 Outstanding Law Student! Michelle Pappas began her post-graduate studies pursuing a master’s degree in social work, working with children and families facing poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and challenges related to disabilities and documentation. Her many nominators describe her as a natural leader who supports and sets an example for people around her, and who saw her education as an opportunity to become the best advocate she could be. We can't wait to celebrate Michelle at the 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference! Learn more about Michelle: https://buff.ly/3zyqQdc
Join us in congratulating Adreain Reynolds, Esq. for being NACC's 2024 Outstanding New Lawyer recipient! Adreain’s efforts have reunited families, ensured children receive proper medical care, and improved the lives of clients protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Nominators describe her as an advocate with grit, grace, passion, and fearlessness. We can't wait to celebrate Adreain at the 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference! Learn more about Adreain: https://buff.ly/3zyqQdc
Join us in congratulating Aubrey Edwards-Luce, JD, MSW for being NACC's 2024 Outstanding Legal Advocate recipient! For 15 years, Aubrey Edwards-Luce has advocated for justice alongside children and families as an attorney, policy advocate, leader, and organizer. Many nominators noted Aubrey’s dedication to collaboration, client-centered practice, anti-racist representation, and holding systems to their duties to children and families. We can't wait to celebrate Aubrey at the 47th National Child Welfare Law Conference! Learn more about Aubrey: https://buff.ly/3zyqQdc
Serving as the Survey and Focus Group Lead (July 2023 to present), Kayla Powell spearheaded the survey and focus group development. She crafted engaging questions, reviewed research synthesis, and collaborated closely with the team. Kayla's expertise in writing, surveying, and data analysis ensured effective outcomes. NACC had the pleasure of working with this amazing expert! To learn more about our project and team, please visit: https://buff.ly/3W61OLi #Research #yourcaseyourrights #fosteryouthbillofrights #NACC