Senate Bill 230 Summary

• Amends Oklahoma statute 10A O.S. 2011, Section 1-4-306 relating to guardians ad litem and court-appointed special advocates in child deprivation cases.

• Clarifies that courts must appoint a separate, independent attorney for children in deprived child cases, who cannot be a district attorney and must meet with the child prior to hearings.

• Establishes that child's attorneys must represent expressed interests of the child, or when the child cannot express interests, substitute their judgment using objective criteria including investigation, assessment, and consultation with medical and educational professionals.

• Defines guardian ad litem responsibilities to include reviewing case documents, observing the child in placement, interviewing relevant parties, advocating for child's best interests, and submitting written reports with conclusions and recommendations.

• Provides that court-appointed special advocates serve the same function as guardians ad litem and must serve without compensation; effective November 1, 2015.