FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1585
PARTIAL VETO
C 232 L 88
BYRepresentatives Leonard, Anderson, Crane, P. King, O'Brien and Rust
Revising provisions for juvenile dependency proceedings.
House Committe on Human Services
Senate Committee on Children & Family Services
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
BACKGROUND:
In juvenile dependency proceedings, both the parent and the Department of Social and Health Services generally have attorneys to represent their interests. The child, however, does not have a mandated representative. Washington's county-based voluntary guardian ad litem system provides such a representative, who advocates solely for the best interests of the child. The dependency statutes allow, but do not require, the court to appoint a guardian ad litem or an attorney for a child who is a party to any dependency proceedings.
The Washington State Code Review Panel recommended that mandatory guardians ad litem be appointed to represent the interests of the child in dependency proceedings.
SUMMARY:
The dependency and child abuse and neglect statutes are amended to require that a guardian ad litem be appointed in all contested proceedings under the dependency laws unless the court finds good cause not to appoint such a representative. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem in uncontested proceedings at its discretion. Representation of the child by legal counsel meets the requirement of appointing a guardian ad litem in contested dependency proceedings.
In judicial districts with family law commissioners, commissioners are authorized to hear and act on dependency proceedings in the same manner as duly authorized juvenile court judges.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
House 97 0
Senate 48 0(Senate amended)
House (House refused to concur)
Free Conference Committee
Senate 48 0
House 97 0
EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988
Partial Veto Summary: A section is vetoed that would have allowed some judicial discretion in appointment of a guardian ad litem. This veto has the effect of retaining existing law. (See VETO MESSAGE)