Parent right to counsel bill passes both chambers
06/30/2024
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Delaware
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Legislation
, Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
, Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
Currently, the court is merely permitted to appoint counsel for indigent parents in abuse/neglect matters. But Delaware has introduced a bill (HB 86) bill that would make appointment of counsel mandatory at all stages of the abuse proceedings. It would also require that the notice to the parent inform them of this right. The Delaware House of Representatives passed the bill on June 11, 2024, and the state Senate on June 30, 2024.
The NCCRC submitted testimony in support of the bill in both March of 2023 and May 2024.
