FL S0972

Requires appointment of an attorney to represent dependent children who: reside in or are being considered for placement in skilled nursing facilities; decline psychotropic medication; have a developmental disability diagnosis; are in or being considered for residential treatment centers; or are victims of human trafficking.

Courts must first request pro bono attorney recommendations from the statewide guardian ad litem office, with a 15-day window to identify available pro bono counsel before appointing compensated attorneys.

Appointed attorneys provide complete legal services from removal through all available appellate proceedings, with appointments continuing until withdrawal, discharge, or case dismissal.

Attorney fees are capped at $1,000 per child per year, with compensation subject to appropriations and Justice Administrative Commission review for reasonableness.

Department of Children and Families must develop procedures to identify qualifying dependent children and request court appointments of attorneys; implementation is subject to appropriations.