FL H1383

Courts must appoint a pro bono attorney or guardian ad litem at the first hearing after learning a child or youth in out-of-home care is pregnant.

Establishes a 3-year Specialty Guardian Ad Litem Pilot Program in the Fourth Judicial Circuit beginning October 1, 2010, with specialty guardians receiving additional training on pregnancy services, counseling, and legal requirements.

Specialty guardians ad litem may represent pregnant youth in child welfare proceedings and judicial waiver of notice proceedings, but cannot accept notice of pregnancy termination.

Community-based providers must notify the Department of Children and Family Services within 72 hours of discovering a child in licensed care is pregnant, and within 7 days of determining the pregnancy outcome.

Appropriates $55,000 in recurring funds and one full-time position to the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office, plus $150,000 in nonrecurring funds to the Department of Children and Family Services for system modifications.