- A. Counsel should understand and protect the parent's rights to information and decision-making while the child is in the custody of the state. The parent's attorney shall explain to the parent what decision-making authority remains with the parent and what lies with the child welfare agency while the child is in custody of the state.
- B. The parent's attorney should seek updates and reports from any service provider working with the child/family and help the client obtain information about the child's safety, health, education and well-being when the client desires.
- C. Where decision-making rights remain, the parent's attorney should assist the parent in exercising his or her rights to continue to make decisions regarding the child's medical, mental health and educational services.
- D. If necessary, the parent's attorney should intervene with the Department of Children and Family Services, provider agencies, medical providers and the school to ensure the parent has decision-making opportunities. This may include seeking court orders when the parent has been left out of important decisions about the child's life.
Authority Note
AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 15:148.
Historical Note
HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Public Defender Board, LR 37:323 (January 2011).