Maryland HB1290 allows a child in need of assistance to be present at their proceeding, with exceptions for the child's best interest.

Maryland HB1290 authorizes a child who is the subject of a child in need of assistance proceeding to be present at the proceeding. The court may exclude the child if the child's attorney determines the child's presence is not in their best interest and notifies the court, or if the court determines the child's presence is not in their best interest after consideration. Before excluding the child, the court must consider less restrictive alternatives. The child's attorney cannot waive the child's right to be present at a consultation required under § 3–823(J) of this subtitle.

Maryland HB1290 allows a child in need of assistance to be present at their proceeding, with exceptions for the child's best interest.

Maryland HB1290 authorizes a child who is the subject of a child in need of assistance proceeding to be present at the proceeding. The court may exclude the child if the child's attorney determines the child's presence is not in their best interest and notifies the court, or if the court determines the child's presence is not in their best interest after consideration. Before excluding the child, the court must consider less restrictive alternatives. The child's attorney cannot waive the child's right to be present at a consultation required under § 3–823(J) of this subtitle.