The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the appointment of attorneys and guardians ad litem in juvenile court proceedings. Under the new law, the court would be required to appoint a guardian ad litem for juveniles in dependency proceedings or termination of parental rights proceedings, rather than only in cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect. Additionally, the bill specifies that the child's attorney must be appointed before the first hearing in delinquency proceedings only, rather than in all types of proceedings as currently required. The bill also allows for the possibility of appointing an attorney for the child based on their age and ability to express an opinion.

Furthermore, the bill removes the stipulation that the guardian ad litem cannot also serve as the child's attorney, thereby allowing for a more integrated representation. It also eliminates the requirement for the child's attorney to represent them through dismissal in dependency proceedings. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the legal representation process for juveniles in court while ensuring their best interests are prioritized.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-221