IA HF373

Courts must appoint counsel for children 10 years of age or older who are identified in child in need of assistance (CINA), termination of parental rights, or family in need of assistance petitions

Children under 10 years of age must receive both counsel and a guardian ad litem (GAL), though the same person may serve in both roles unless a conflict exists

When a child turns 10 while represented by a GAL, the court must discharge the GAL and appoint counsel; the former GAL may be appointed as counsel if they can properly represent the child's legal interests

A child's right to legal representation continues until they are no longer in foster care, even after the circumstances that caused the placement have resolved

Attorneys appointed as counsel for children must perform specified GAL duties (such as interviewing service providers and accessing records) but are exempt from submitting written reports to the court