2015 Louisiana Laws
Children's Code
CHC 571 - Legislative findings

CHAPTER 6. LEGAL REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENT PARENTS

PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Art. 571. Legislative findings

A. The legislature finds that society has a responsibility to provide indigent parents with quality legal representation in child abuse and neglect cases. Provision of counsel for indigent parents is an essential due process right provided by Louisiana law to ensure sound and fair decisionmaking concerning children's safety, permanency, and well-being. Legal counsel providing representation in child abuse and neglect cases should have specialized knowledge and skills essential for effective representation. Resources to support the provision of legal representation of indigent parents should be used efficiently and equitably to assure qualified representation throughout the state.

B. The legislature finds that there is a need for a uniform system of representation of indigent parents statewide that provides for appropriate oversight, minimization of potential conflicts, and adequate local and state funding. To this end, the legislature finds that local public defender offices best serve the interests of children and families by representing indigent parents in child abuse and neglect cases consistent with the provisions of R S. 15:185.1 et seq., and with the Trial Court Performance Standards for Attorneys Representing Parents in Child in Need of Care and Termination of Parental Right Cases provided in Chapter 11 of Part XV of Title 22 of the Louisiana Administrative Code.

C. Repealed by Acts 2014, No. 354, §2.

Acts 2007, No. 95, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §§ 1, 2.