Right to counsel
Louisiana
,
Legislation
, Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
In every child care proceeding, the court will appoint independent counsel for the child involved, including a referral to the district public defender, and this right cannot be waived by the child or anyone purporting to act on the child’s behalf. La. Child. Code Ann. art. 607(A)-(B).
In terms of payment for the attorney appointed on the child’s behalf, the court may order the parents of the child to pay for some or all of the costs of the child’s representation if the court determines that the parents are financially able. But other arrangements will be made where the parents are deemed unable to pay the child’s representation. La. Child. Code Ann. art. 607(C).
Appointment of Counsel: Yes
Qualified: No
