Texas House Bill HB1162

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the duration of an appointment of a guardian ad litem or an attorney ad litem for a child in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Impact

The enactment of HB1162 is expected to significantly impact the legal framework surrounding child welfare and representation. By allowing for the ongoing appointment of guardians and attorneys for children in DFPS care, the bill seeks to provide stability and consistency in legal representation. This change could improve the outcomes for vulnerable children by ensuring that their interests are continuously and effectively represented in court during a critical period of their lives. Proponents argue that such stability is necessary for the best interest of the child, which is a key principle in family law.

Summary

House Bill 1162 aims to amend the Family Code concerning the duration of appointments for guardians ad litem and attorneys ad litem serving children under the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This bill specifically allows for the guardian ad litem to remain appointed for as long as a child is under DFPS conservatorship, thereby ensuring continuous representation throughout the proceedings that affect the parent-child relationship. The bill is integrated to apply to cases filed before, on, or after its effective date, emphasizing its broad applicability across different timelines of legal proceedings.

Contention

While there is support for the bill among child welfare advocates who believe it enhances the rights of children in legal settings, there may also be concerns regarding the implications of extended representation. Critics might argue about the potential for increased costs associated with long-term appointments of legal representatives. Additionally, there could be discussions around the quality and effectiveness of representation over extended periods, raising questions about the resources available to ensure that such legal appointments are optimally beneficial to the children involved.