The state of Vermont is getting a grade of “C” for providing lawyers for abused and neglected children.
A report by the Washington-based child advocacy group First Start has given 15 states failing grades.
The report criticizes states which do not require all children to be represented by their own attorneys. Seventeen states have representation requirements.
Only five states earned “A” grades: Connecticut, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York and West Virginia.
The 15 states receiving an “F” are Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington.