Title
Title
Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act | Selection of Shriver Projects (Action Required)
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Summary
Summary
The Judicial Council is asked to approve funding recommendations under the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act (Assem. Bill 590; Stats. 2009, ch. 457) to support projects providing legal representation and improved court services to low-income parties on critical legal issues affecting basic human needs. These projects address housing, domestic violence, civil harassment, probate conservatorships, guardianships, elder abuse, and child custody matters. Recommendations are submitted by the Shriver Civil Counsel Act Implementation Committee for the upcoming three-year grant cycle.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
The Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act Implementation Committee recommends that the Judicial Council, effective October 1, 2026:
1. Approve grant funding for 15 projects under the Sargent Shriver Civil Counsel Act in an amount not to exceed $18,000,000 per year--subject to the availability of funding--for a total of $54,000,000 over three years, covering the period from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029. Funding would be awarded to qualified legal services providers and court partners for the administration of Shriver projects.
2. Authorize the committee to request revised budgets and project plans from all projects once the Judicial Council approves the allocations, as no program will receive the full amount requested.
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