VT H0193

Creates the Child and Parent Legal Representation Working Group to design an interdisciplinary model of legal representation for children, parents, custodians, and legal guardians in CHINS (child protection) proceedings

Working Group membership includes the Chief Justice or designee, 2 House members, 2 Senate members, Defender General, Commissioner for Children and Families, Child/Youth/Family Advocate, representatives from Voices for Vermont's Children and Vermont Parent Representation Center, and one individual with lived experience in the child protection system

Working Group must study current appropriations, attorney/social worker compensation levels, anticipated costs for abuse/neglect substantiation appeals, federal funding opportunities, and recommend administrative structures for interdisciplinary legal representation

Report due to legislative committees by December 15, 2025, with recommendations on whether separate Office of Child Representation and Office of Parent Representation should be established as independent agencies within the Judiciary

Appropriates $18,830 from the General Fund in FY2026 to the Office of Court Administrator for member per diem and expenses; Working Group ceases to exist January 15, 2026