Indiana introduces bills to provide a right to counsel for certain children in abuse cases

Appointment of counsel for children in Child In Need of Services (CHINS) matters is currently discretionary. HB 1056 would provide the right to counsel to certain children in CHINS cases; the right would apply to children between the ages of 14 and 23 who meet certain requirements including residential care placement, wishes that differ from their best interest, if they are the alleged victim of human or sexual trafficking, or if they are the parent of a child who is also the subject of a CHINS matter. 

SB 230 and HB 1150 are similar though less extensive than HB 1056 and would make appointment of counsel mandatory for children in CHINS matters who are alleged victims of human or sexual trafficking.