WA State guarantees counsel for children in termination cases

Key_development Question_mark

05/10/2021, Legislation, Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature enacted HB 1219, which guarantees appointed counsel for children in dependency and termination of parental rights cases.  The right will be phased in over 6 years and coordinated through the state's Office of CIvil Legal Aid.  


In addition, a statute provides that "The court shall appoint an attorney for a child in a dependency proceeding six months after granting a petition to terminate the parent and child relationship pursuant to RCW 13.34.180 and when there is no remaining parent with parental rights." Wash. Rev. Code § 13.34.212(1)(a) (emphasis added).

Appointment of Counsel: categorical Qualified: no

 

Nccrc_involvement_icon

The NCCRC filed supportive testimony for HB 1219 and has worked with advocates on this issue for many years.