AR HB1813

All parents and custodians have a right to counsel in all dependency-neglect proceedings, with appointed counsel available if indigent and requested.

Parents from whom custody is removed have the right to appointed counsel if indigent and they request it in proceedings to remove legal custody.

Courts may appoint counsel to noncustodial parents who demonstrate significant custodial relationships with the juvenile, with determination made at the first appearance.

Putative parents may be appointed counsel only if they demonstrate significant contact with the juvenile, their rights have attached, they are indigent, and counsel is requested; courts must inform putative parents of eligibility requirements if they fail to demonstrate significant contacts.

Putative parents have the right to appointed counsel in termination of parental rights proceedings if they are indigent, have established significant contacts with the juvenile, due process requires appointment, and they request counsel.