AR SB736

All parents and custodians have the right to appointed counsel in dependency-neglect proceedings and appeals of final adjudications, regardless of income.

Appointment of counsel is presumed necessary for parents or custodians from whom custody is removed, and the court shall appoint counsel upon finding the parent or custodian is indigent and requests counsel.

Putative parents have the right to appointed counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings and related appeals, regardless of income, only if the court finds they are indigent, have established significant contacts with the child, and due process requires counsel.

The court shall appoint counsel to represent a putative parent in termination proceedings if the case goal changes to adoption with a termination petition to be filed, provided the court makes required findings under the statute.

Courts must notify parents, custodians, and putative parents of their right to appointed counsel at initial appearance and regardless of whether counsel was requested, and counsel must be appointed sufficiently in advance to allow adequate preparation.