Modifies current law to allow a child to be represented by a guardian ad litem or attorney at any court proceeding in which the child’s welfare at stake. This act also requires that courts match the individual needs of the child with the expertise of an appointed guardian ad litem. This act requires a court to appoint an attorney for a child within seventy-two hours of certain judicial decisions related to the child’s welfare. (See also SB 5461).   Official Text and Analysis.

Strikes provisions requiring attorney representation for children in dependencies in the following types of cases: ?placement in a group-care facility; placement in inpatient treatment; prescription of psychotropic medications; fourth or subsequent placement; after the child has run away after the child has been suspended or expelled from school; after the child has been charged with a criminal offense; and after child has been referred for a sexually aggressive youth evaluation.

Requires the appointment of counsel for a child in a dependency within 72 hours of granting a petition to terminate the parent and child relationship. Lowers, from 12 years to 7 years, the age at which a child in a dependency must be notified of the right to request an attorney. Tasks the Washington State Center for Court Research, in consultation with the Office of Civil Legal Aid, with evaluating the effects of the new mandate to provide attorney representation for children in terminations and reporting back to the Legislature and the Governor.

Deletes the intent section; makes the appointment of an attorney for parental termination petition discretionary rather than mandatory; deletes the other discretionary language regarding when the court may appoint an attorney; changes the age at which dependent youth must be notified of their right to an attorney from seven back to twelve; and deletes the section that tasks the Washington state center for court research with evaluating the effects of attorney representation.

Requires the appointment of counsel for a child in a dependency within 72 hours of granting a petition to terminate the parent and child relationship and provides that the state will pay one-half of the costs if certain standards are met. Authorizes the appointment of one attorney to a group of siblings, unless there is a conflict of interest or such appointment is inconsistent with rules of professional responsibility. Provides that legal services provided by an attorney appointed to a child following termination do not include representation in any appellate proceedings related to the termination.