FL S1812

Authorizes regional counsel to provide pre-petition legal representation to indigent parents who are subjects of child protective investigations under section 39.301.

Regional counsel may initiate or appear in civil actions related to child welfare investigations, including actions for domestic violence injunctions, housing/tenancy defense, and parentage determination.

Requires regional counsel to determine indigency within 5 days of initial contact using the same application form and criteria as the clerk of court under section 27.52, and must cease representation if a parent is found to be non-indigent.

Requires child protective investigators to inform parents that indigent parents may be represented by the regional counsel office and provide local contact information if available.

Requires child protective responders to be trained on how to inform parents and legal custodians of their right to legal counsel and the availability of regional counsel representation for indigent parents.