2009 Louisiana Children's Code :: CHC 607 - Child's right to appointed counsel; payment

CHAPTER 4. RIGHT TO COUNSEL

Art. 607. Child's right to appointed counsel; payment

A. In every proceeding under this Title, the court shall appoint qualified, independent counsel for the child, including a referral to the district public defender. If attorneys are available through the Child Advocacy Program, the court shall contact the office of the program and request the assignment of an attorney who shall be appointed. Neither the child nor anyone purporting to act on his behalf may be permitted to waive this right.

B. If the court finds that the parents of the child are financially able, it may order the parents to pay some or all of the costs of the child's representation in accordance with Children's Code Articles 320 and 321.

C. In any dispositional or postdispositional hearing which may result in the mental health institutionalization of a child who is in the custody of the state, the child shall be entitled to representation by an attorney appointed by the Mental Health Advocacy Service, unless unavailable as determined by the director, or representation by retained private counsel who shall represent only the interest of the child.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2004, No. 301, §1, eff. June 18, 2004; Acts 2004, No. 321, §1; Acts 2006, No. 271, §1; Acts 2007, No. 307, §9.