Iowa HF373 establishes legal representation for children in foster care, including appointing counsel and guardians ad litem.

Iowa HF373 mandates legal representation for children in foster care. Courts must appoint counsel for children ten years of age or older and both counsel and a guardian ad litem for children under ten. If a child remains in foster care after the circumstances for placement resolve, the right to representation continues until the child exits foster care. An attorney can serve as both counsel and guardian ad litem for a child under ten unless a conflict of interest exists.

Iowa HF373 establishes legal representation for children in foster care, including appointing counsel and guardians ad litem.

Iowa HF373 mandates legal representation for children in foster care. Courts must appoint counsel for children ten years of age or older and both counsel and a guardian ad litem for children under ten. If a child remains in foster care after the circumstances for placement resolve, the right to representation continues until the child exits foster care. An attorney can serve as both counsel and guardian ad litem for a child under ten unless a conflict of interest exists.