The National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) believes that those with lived experience in unjust systems should be central to reform efforts. The Advisory Council, known as NACCLR, includes young professionals, advocates, and leaders (ages 18-30) with lived experience in the child welfare system. NACCLR members advise NACC on projects, policies, and partnerships, advocate for children’s rights, and contribute to various committees. Members receive advocacy training, professional development, and financial compensation.
Who Can Apply
- Be at least 18-30 years of age at the start of their application
- Have lived experience in the foster care system (including all out-of-home placements, facilities, kinship placements, shelters, etc.)
- Currently resides in the United States;
- Lived experience in the child welfare court system or CPS investigations;
- Ability to devote about 5 hours per month to NACCLR activities, including monthly Council meetings
What You’ll Gain
- If accepted, members will be invited and funded to join NACC’s 2026 Conference in Portland, Oregon.
- Competitive hourly rate for monthly meetings that includes meeting
preparation, reports, and attendance, as well as additional work on special projects. The current rate is $50/hour. - Members that write articles for NACC’s publication The Guardian “Learning From Lived Expertise” section, will receive $250.
- Training on effective advocacy, adult learning, and policy development.
- An opportunity to network with lived experience experts and other professionals from other states and at the federal level.
- All travel costs associated with participating in NACC’s annual conference or other required meetings or training.
Deadline
- The 2025 application cycle is now closed. Stay tuned for updates on when the next cycle opens.
Helpful Tips
- For more information send an email to allison.green@naccchildlaw.org with questions.
