Right to counsel

Iowa , Legislation , Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children

Children have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings. Iowa Code § 232.113.  The statute elaborates that the attorney may be the guardian ad litem serving in a dual role.

Also, with regard to indigent Native American children, “The child shall [] have the right to court- appointed counsel in any removal, placement, termination of parental rights, or other permanency proceedings.” Iowa Code § 232B.5(16). This provision goes beyond that of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, which makes appointment discretionary. Compare Iowa Code § 232B.5(16) with 25 U.S.C. § 1912(b) (“The court may, in its discretion, appoint counsel for the child upon a finding that such appointment is in the best interest of the child.”).

Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: Yes
? If "yes", the established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including any of: the only authority is a lower/intermediate court decision or a city council, not a high court or state legislature; there has been a subsequent case that has cast doubt; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all types of individuals or proceedings within that category.