HB 5443
Relating to the reimbursement for panel attorneys and guardian ad litems
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to increase compensation for legal counsel and guardian ad litems involved in West Virginia’s Public Defender Services system. It includes provisions for detailed record-keeping, streamlined voucher processes, definitions related to child abuse and neglect, and allows court-appointed assistant guardians ad litem to be included in multidisciplinary team meetings. The bill also expands situations where reasonable efforts to preserve a family are not required, specifically including cases of consensual parental termination, and clarifies court orders related to child abuse and neglect cases.
Key provisions
- Increases compensation for panel attorneys and guardian ad litems.
- Requires detailed record-keeping and streamlined voucher submission processes for legal counsel.
- Adds definitions relevant to child abuse and neglect proceedings.
- Allows court-appointed assistant guardians ad litem to participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Expands situations where reasonable efforts to preserve the family are not required, including consensual parental termination.
- Clarifies requirements for court orders in child abuse and neglect cases.
- Establishes a process for in-house counsel to represent Public Defender Services in hearings.
- Provides for reimbursement of expenses, including transcripts and investigative services, subject to limitations.
Who is affected
- Legal Counsel (Panel Attorneys, Guardians Ad Litem)
- Public Defender Services System
- Children and Families involved in child abuse and neglect cases
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