IN SB0423

Legislative Description

Court appointed youth advocate pilot program. Provides that the office of judicial administration may establish a youth advocate pilot program (pilot program) until July 1, 2021, for purposes of providing early intervention and mentoring services for children who are adjudicated delinquent. Provides that a youth advocate appointed under the pilot program is: (1) a volunteer; (2) appointed by a court to provide services for a child who is adjudicated delinquent; and (3) an officer of the court during the youth advocate's appointment. Provides that a youth advocate serves under the pilot program until: (1) the child for whom the youth advocate is appointed becomes 18 years of age; or (2) the court discharges the youth advocate; but may continue to serve in a volunteer capacity as a resource for the child thereafter. Provides that, except for gross misconduct, a youth advocate is immune from civil liability resulting from the youth advocate's performance of the youth advocate's duties: (1) in good faith; and (2) within the scope of the youth advocate's duties. Provides that information provided to a youth advocate by a child for whom the youth advocate is appointed: (1) is confidential; (2) may be disclosed only to the court that appointed the youth advocate or to the child's parent or guardian; and (3) may not be used against the child in a criminal or civil proceeding; except as required to report child abuse or neglect. Provides that the pilot program is funded through a combination of state, county, local, and private funding, with the state providing a dollar-for-dollar match of county and local funding, up to a maximum of $25,000 for any one county in any one state fiscal year, subject to availability of state funds. Provides for the reversion or return of funds upon the expiration of the pilot program.

Last Action

Committee Referrals