CT HB06442

Separates the roles of child's counsel and guardian ad litem in child protection proceedings, with counsel assigned by the Chief Child Protection Attorney to advocate solely for the child's stated wishes and a separate guardian ad litem appointed only when the child cannot adequately act in their own best interests.

Establishes a new "permanent legal guardianship" option in child protection cases that creates a permanent legal relationship between a child and caregiver without terminating parental rights, requiring clear and convincing evidence that it is in the child's best interests and that statutory grounds for termination of parental rights exist or parents consent.

Requires clear and convincing evidence for permanent legal guardianship including: the child's residence with the proposed guardian for at least one year, consent of children age 12 or older (or proposed guardian is a relative or sibling's guardian for younger children), and the guardian's suitability and commitment to serve until age of majority.

Extends permanent guardianship provisions to probate court appointments of guardians and prohibits parents from petitioning to terminate permanent guardianships or remove permanent guardians once established.

All provisions effective October 1, 2011.