MS SB2271

Requires youth court judges to appoint counsel for indigent custodial parents or guardians who are parties in abuse, neglect, or termination of parental rights proceedings.

Allows youth court judges to appoint counsel for indigent noncustodial parents who have demonstrated a significant custodial relationship with the child, and requires appointment for all parents in termination of parental rights hearings if indigent and requested.

Requires attorneys appointed to represent children alleged to have been abused or neglected to complete annual juvenile justice training approved by the Mississippi Judicial College and the Mississippi Commission on Continuing Legal Education.

Disqualifies attorneys from serving if they fail to complete required annual training within six months of appointment; applies exemption for attorneys appointed to five or fewer cases annually.

Effective July 1, 2024.