Bill A10348 Summary

• Requires presentment agencies to notify non-custodial parents of juvenile delinquency and PINS proceedings and inform them of their right to appear, participate, and seek temporary release or placement, with notice at least five days before the return date.

• Extends attorney representation for respondents to continue through disposition, post-dispositional proceedings, permanency hearings, and appeals with automatic appointment of replacement counsel if the original attorney is relieved.

• Mandates dispositional orders include visitation plans, service plans (filed within 60-90 days if not immediately available), and notice to parents about planning conferences and their right to attend with representation.

• Expands permanency hearing requirements to include specific focus on educational enrollment within five days of release, special education services, and vocational programs for respondents not pursuing high school diplomas.

• Lowers the age threshold for transition-to-independent-living services from age sixteen to age fourteen and requires documentation of compelling reasons for "planned permanent living arrangements" that include a significant adult connection.