HB1056

01/16/2024 , Indiana , Legislation , Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children

HB1056: Appointment of counsel for children in Child In Need of Services (CHINS) matters is currently discretionary. The bill would provide the right to counsel (RTC) to children in CHINS cases if they are between the ages of 14 and 23 as well as provide the RTC to children in extended foster care matters if they 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. The bill would also expand the RTC in truancy matters by incorporating these factors.

Last action (on 01/16/2024): Representative Goss-Reaves added as coauthor