Preparedness is an important component to quality legal representation - and to be prepared, an attorney needs time - time to investigate, meet with and counsel their client, conduct legal research, and prepare for court. Quality legal representation is furthered by appointing attorneys to children as early as possible - prior to the initial hearing, or even pre-petition. And the Children’s Bureau agrees: “There is a growing body of empirical research linking early appointment of counsel (at or prior to a party’s initial appearance in court) and effective legal representation in child welfare proceedings to improved case planning, expedited permanency and cost savings to state government.” (Administration for Children and Families Information Memo: “High Quality Legal Representation for All Parties in Child Welfare Proceedings” (2017) (p. 6-7))