CS for SB 1920 - Child Welfare Summary

• Creates a new "Attorney for the Child" role to provide direct legal representation to children in dependency and related adoption proceedings, distinct from guardian ad litem representation of the child's best interests.

• Establishes the Statewide Office of Child Representation within the Justice Administrative Commission, with regional offices in each of the five district courts of appeal, beginning operations July 1, 2022.

• Requires appointment of an attorney for the child for all children 10 years and older in dependency or related adoption proceedings, and for certain younger children with special needs or involved in criminal proceedings.

• Modifies guardian ad litem appointment requirements effective July 1, 2022 to limit mandatory appointments to children under 10 years old, children in criminal proceedings, and those with special needs, while allowing discretionary appointments for older children.

• Renames the Guardian Ad Litem Qualifications Committee as the Child Well-Being Qualifications Committee and adds requirements for the Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office to identify and remove guardians with conflicts of interest or health/safety concerns.