AZ SB1234

Requires courts to appoint an attorney for children in dependency and termination of parental rights proceedings before the first hearing, with mandatory monthly meetings for children at least five years old

Establishes that appointed attorneys must assess whether a child has diminished capacity affecting their ability to express opinions or make decisions, consulting with the child, family, and others who know the child

Creates a "substituted judgment" standard for attorneys when a normal attorney-client relationship is not possible due to the child's diminished capacity, requiring the attorney to determine what the child would decide if capable

Allows appointed attorneys to inform the court of substantial risk of harm or request a guardian ad litem appointment when a child lacks capacity to act in their own interest

Maintains existing requirements for attorney appointments in delinquency proceedings and for indigent parents or guardians in juvenile court matters