Texas House Bill HB1943

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/13/09

Caption

Relating to the appointment of volunteer advocates as guardians ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 1943 are expected to significantly impact cases involving child welfare by streamlining the process for appointing guardians ad litem. By prioritizing qualified volunteer advocates and allowing for their appointment where existing organizational resources are accessible, the bill seeks to improve the responsiveness of the legal system to the needs of children during guardianship cases. This aligns with broader efforts to enhance child protection services and can lead to better outcomes in cases involving child custody and parental rights.

Summary

House Bill 1943 aims to amend the Texas Family Code regarding the appointment of guardians ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship. The bill emphasizes the inclusion of volunteer advocates, primarily from charitable organizations, as guardians ad litem to represent the best interests of the child during legal proceedings. This approach is intended to enhance the support for children in potentially abusive or neglectful situations while also utilizing community resources more efficiently. Furthermore, the bill delineates scenarios in which a court may appoint individuals with specific training and expertise when a volunteer advocate is not available, ensuring that children always have representation in court proceedings.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the resources available to charities and organizations that provide volunteer advocates, as well as the potential strain on the judicial system in terms of case management. Questions about the quality of representation provided by volunteer advocates compared to professional attorneys could surface, and stakeholders might discuss the implications this has on the rights of parents involved in such suits. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the potential variability in training and expertise among volunteer advocates, which could affect consistency in legal representation across different counties.