Bill > HF2356

This bill establishes the "project to preserve families" as a permanent initiative administered by the state public defender, replacing the previous "pilot project" for child welfare legal representation. The project aims to implement and study innovative legal representation models, potentially using a team approach or other methods, to help families involved in the child welfare system achieve positive outcomes, reduce trauma for children, and benefit families and their communities financially. The state public defender is authorized to administer and maintain this project throughout the state, coordinate with other agencies, seek grant funding, analyze project outcomes, and appoint attorneys to represent indigent individuals before formal proceedings begin if deemed appropriate and related to the project's goals. The state public defender may also adopt rules to administer this section, and the project is set to become effective on July 1, 2026.