HF 2580: Relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care

What it does

This bill relates to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care. The bill requires a court to appoint counsel for a child years of age or older when the child is identified in a child in need of assistance (CINA) petition as a party to the CINA proceedings. The bill requires a court to appoint a guardian ad litem for a child below years of age when the child is identified in a CINA petition as a party to the CINA proceedings. If a child identified in a CINA petition already has counsel in a juvenile delinquency matter or parental termination proceeding, or a guardian ad litem has previously been appointed for the child in a juvenile delinquency proceeding or a matter involving a public offense in which the court has waived jurisdiction, the bill requires the court to appoint the same counsel or guardian ad litem upon the filing of the CINA petition.

Lobbying · 6 for, 3 against

For: Coalition for Family and Children's Services in Iowa; Ellipsis; Father Flanagans Boys Home; Four Oaks; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation

Against: Iowa County Attorneys Association; Iowa State Bar Association; Youth Law Center

In plain words

1. February 19, 2024Filed in the House