SB 1008, An Act Concerning Legal Representation for Children in Certain Proceedings in the Superior Court

The ACLU-CT fights to protect access to fair and equal justice for all Connecticut residents. When children are in the care of DCF, they receive legal representation through the Public Defender Services. But, once these children turn 18, in most cases they lose access to their counsel.

The ACLU-CT fights to protect access to fair and equal justice for all Connecticut residents. Every person has fundamental human and legal rights that deserve protection and respect. Children aging out of the DCF system are especially vulnerable. When children are in the care of DCF, they receive legal representation through the Public Defender Services (PDS) and assigned counsel contracted through PDS. These lawyers can be tremendously helpful in supporting children through legal proceedings and other formal administrative meetings. But, once these children turn eighteen, in most cases they transition out of the system and lose access to their counsel.