Developing a schedule for court appointment of attorneys for children and youth in dependency and termination proceedings.

SB 5761 mandates the appointment of attorneys for children and youth involved in dependency and termination proceedings in Washington State. The bill establishes a phased-in, statewide schedule over an 11-year period, requiring attorneys to be appointed at specific points in a case based on the child's age and case status. This schedule prioritizes counties without current attorney appointment practices or those with significant racial disparities in dependent children. The Department and guardians ad litem must also notify children aged 12 and older of their right to request an attorney, with the state covering legal costs subject to appropriations and oversight by the statewide children's legal representation program.