IL SB1478

Creates the Due Process for Youth Oversight Commission with 19 members including legislators, judges, public defenders, and child welfare advocates to oversee implementation of youth's right to counsel in juvenile abuse and neglect proceedings under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

Commission shall convene quarterly and dissolve 5 years after the effective date; must provide status reports and recommendations to the General Assembly on implementing statewide legal representation for youth, caseload levels, training standards, and eliminating dual roles of guardian ad litem and attorney.

Requires courts to immediately appoint counsel for each minor subject to Article II petitions unless the minor has already retained counsel; appointment must apply 3 years after effective date or on a date established by the Commission, whichever is sooner.

Adds minimum contact requirements for appointed counsel, including at least one in-person meeting before each hearing and quarterly in-person contact, with limited exceptions for good cause or unknown minor location.

Prohibits appointed counsel from serving as the minor's guardian ad litem or working in the same law office as the guardian ad litem; adds right to counsel to Foster Children's Bill of Rights.