FL H0949

Expands mandatory attorney appointment for dependent children to include those under age 8 prescribed psychotropic medication, victims of human trafficking, and cases where the Guardian Ad Litem Program has a conflict of interest

Caps attorney fees at $1,000 per child per year, with payment subject to appropriations and Justice Administrative Commission review for reasonableness

Requires courts to appoint substitute counsel if an attorney withdraws or is discharged, ensuring continuous legal representation throughout dependency proceedings

Creates the Quality Counsel Program, requiring the Justice Administrative Commission to contract with a nonprofit entity to monitor attorney performance and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature by June 30, 2018

Mandates appointed attorneys submit quarterly reports on activities performed and results obtained for each dependent child they represent