Congresswoman Tenney Introduces the Ensuring Legal Representation for Child Welfare Act
Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5) introduced the Ensuring Legal Representation for Child Welfare Act, which will help provide legal representation for children in foster care and the child welfare system throughout the country.
This bill will encourage states to provide legal representation for children in foster care, especially those subjected to abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, children are often denied a meaningful opportunity to be heard under our current system. Only 10 states actively provide the right to counsel for children in foster care. Tenney’s bill would allow all 50 states to have access to legal representation.
“We must provide children in foster care and the child welfare system access to an attorney to protect their constitutional rights and advocate for their best interests,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Ensuring Legal Representation for Child Welfare Act is a commonsense step toward providing children in the most vulnerable of situations access to an attorney to advocate directly and solely for their best interests.”
“With so much at stake in child protection proceedings, attorneys have a critical role to make sure that the voices of children and parents are heard, and their rights are protected,” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “These attorneys can facilitate communication between parties and assist the courts to make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the child and family as a whole. I am proud to join Rep. Tenney in introducing this bipartisan legislation to promote justice and safeguard the rights of children and parents alike.”
“Our child welfare system, including state family courts, has a duty to act in the best interest of each child,” said Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith. “I want to thank Congresswoman Tenney for this legislation that supports states in coordinating access to independent legal representation in family court. Families need to know that their legal representation does not have a conflict of interest that could interfere with protecting their children and we know that families who have legal representation have more timely permanency hearings spending less time in the child welfare system.”
“Every child deserves a safe and loving home. By improving access to attorneys in abuse proceedings, this legislation could help more child victims exit foster care in a timely manner for safe and loving homes," said Darcy Olsen, CEO of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children.
"Children and parents in court need lawyers of their own to help navigate a complex system, ensure their voices are heard, and protect their rights. This legislation will help more families across the country see justice during child welfare court proceedings," said Kim Dvorchak, CEO of the National Association of Counsel for Children.
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