HB 3277

Abstract

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Requires (rather than gives discretion to the court) to appoint a special advocate upon the filing of a petition to declare a minor an abused, neglected, or dependent minor and to adjudge the minor a ward of the court. Establishes qualifications of a court appointed special advocate. Provides that a court appointed special advocate shall: (1) conduct an independent assessment to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the case by monitoring compliance with the court order; (2) maintain regular and sufficient in-person contact with the minor; (3) submit written reports to the court regarding the minor's best interests; (4) advocate for timely court hearings to obtain permanency for the minor; (5) be notified of all administrative case reviews pertaining to the minor as defined by and work with the parties' attorneys, the guardian ad litem, and others assigned to the minor's case to protect the minor's health, safety and best interests and insure the proper delivery of child welfare services; (6) attend all court hearings and other proceedings to advocate for the minor's best interests; (7) monitor compliance with the case plan and all court orders; and (8) review all court related documents. Provides that upon presentation of an order of appointment, a court appointed special advocate shall have access to all records and information relevant to the minor's case. Provides that all records and information acquired, reviewed, or produced by a court appointed special advocate during the course of his or her appointment shall be deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed except as ordered by the court. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the bill as introduced, with the following changes: Provides that in counties of populations over 3,000,000 the court may appoint, rather than shall appoint, a special advocate upon a filing of certain petitions or at any time during the pendency of certain proceedings. Provides that a "court appointed special advocate" means a community volunteer who is 21 or older, rather than the age of majority. Provides that the court may consider, rather than shall consider, at its discretion, testimony of the court appointed special advocate pertaining to the well-being of the minor. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that the court appointed special advocate shall review all court documents that relate to the minor child (rather than all court related documents). Provides that upon presentation of an order of appointment, a court appointed special advocate shall have access to all records and information relevant to the minor's case with regard to the minor child (rather than all records and information relevant to the minor's case).