Digest: The Act changes when the court must appoint a lawyer for some people in matters involving children. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.1).
Modifies provisions regarding the appointment of counsel for parents or children in juvenile dependency proceedings and contested adoption proceedings. Directs the court to appoint counsel for parents in juvenile dependency proceedings, including proceedings for termination of parental rights, only if facts found in the dependency proceeding may effect a criminal proceeding. Directs the court to appoint counsel for a child in a juvenile dependency proceeding only if the child was allegedly abused. Directs the court to appoint counsel for parents in contested adoption proceedings, including certain proceedings to determine parentage, only if facts found in the adoption proceeding may effect a criminal proceeding.