Counties Legislative Conference

"Despite the many obstacles before us - I believe that this is a time of extraordinary opportunity - the opportunity to be more creative and innovative; to transform systems in need of reform; to harness 21st-century technologies; to incorporate research

The Attorney General detailed many troubling statistics that measure the gravity of the present child welfare situation and reminded the audience that "Behind these numbers are real people, with real problems, and unless they find the help and support the

Every American deserves access to necessary legal services according to the Attorney General. Last year, the Department of Justice established the Access to Justice Initiative "in an effort to ensure that quality legal representation is available, affordable, and accessible to all Americans. The Access to Justice team has hit the ground running with an ambitious agenda - and they stand ready to work with you until you no longer face that impossible choice between funding critical health and human services or upholding core Constitutional rights."

On March 7, 2011 Attorney General Eric Holder spoke at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference held in Washington DC. The attorney general spoke about two specific Justice Department priorities sure to be of interest and concern to this audience: ideas on how to bring systemic rather than incremental improvements to our juvenile justice system, and Justice Department steps to ensure that every American can access the legal services they need and deserve.