Module 1 071 Right to Effective Assistance of Counsel:

Children and parents should have a right to legal counsel in all court proceedings affecting their rights.
Children and parents should be appointed an attorney at the onset of any and all court proceedings which affect their rights and their attorney should continue to represent them at all stages of the court proceeding.
Children and parents should be appointed well-trained, well-resourced, independent and competent legal counsel in all court proceedings, including appeals, affecting their rights, in any judicial forum that is making decisions about their lives
A court shall not accept waiver of counsel by a child unless the child has been advised by independent counsel as to the waiver and if the waiver is accepted the court shall appoint advisory counsel to participate at all proceedings and be available to the child.
Children’s and parent’s attorneys should have reasonable caseloads.
Children's and parent’s attorneys should receive training on the legal rights of children and parents, child development, and other matters necessary to effectively represent children and parents, both prior to initial appointment and on a continuing and regular basis.
Children’s and parent’s attorneys should have access to the resources necessary to provide effective representation, including but not limited to: expert witnesses, social workers, investigators and other professionals.