This bill amends existing laws regarding legal representation for children involved in foster care and related proceedings in Iowa. It mandates that courts appoint counsel for children aged ten and older when they are identified as parties in child in need of assistance (CINA) petitions. For children under ten, both counsel and a guardian ad litem (GAL) must be appointed. The bill also stipulates that if a child already has counsel or a GAL from previous proceedings, the same representatives should be appointed for the CINA petition. Additionally, if a conflict of interest arises between the child and their parent or guardian, the court is required to appoint alternate counsel.

New provisions in the bill ensure that if a child remains in foster care after the issues leading to their placement have been resolved, they retain the right to legal representation until they exit foster care. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of attorneys appointed as counsel for children, which include performing certain duties typically assigned to a GAL, while exempting them from submitting written reports. Furthermore, it allows attorneys to conduct interviews, inspect records, and attend relevant meetings on behalf of the child. The bill emphasizes the importance of continuity in legal representation and the need for reasonable compensation for appointed attorneys.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.89, 232.11, 232.2