CA SB988

Requires the Judicial Council to adopt rules of court by January 1, 2014 establishing minimum training and education standards for attorneys appointed to represent minors in juvenile delinquency proceedings under Sections 601 and 602.

Specifies core training areas must include juvenile delinquency law, child and adolescent development, special education, mental health issues, child abuse and neglect, ethical duties, appellate issues, consequences of court involvement, and rehabilitative resources.

Sets minimum training requirement at no more than eight hours, which shall count toward State Bar of California continuing legal education requirements.

Requires rules to provide that expert witnesses requested by delinquency attorneys are agents of the attorneys and must adhere to attorney-client privilege.

Prohibits rules from requiring delinquency attorneys to assume responsibilities of probation officers, social workers, parents, or guardians, or to provide nonlegal services or represent minors outside delinquency proceedings.