A bill for an act relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care.

HF 953 revises legal representation requirements for children involved in foster care proceedings. For children aged ten or older, the court must appoint counsel, while children younger than ten will receive both appointed counsel and a guardian ad litem. The bill allows the same person to serve as both counsel and guardian ad litem for children under ten, unless a conflict of interest exists. This representation continues for as long as a child remains in foster care. Appointed counsel for a child will perform many guardian ad litem duties, such as interviewing relevant persons and inspecting records, but are not required to submit written reports to the court.