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Bill

H 204

An Act requiring the documentation of child counsel appointments

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill requiring courts to document all child counsel appointments to track legal representation transparency and identify service gaps.

Accompanied a study order, see H4883
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Bill Summary · H 204

Legislative bill overview

H 204 requires Massachusetts to establish and maintain documentation of all court appointments of counsel (attorneys) for children in legal proceedings. The bill mandates systematic record-keeping to track when, how, and for whom child counsel is appointed across the state's judicial system.

Why is this important

Comprehensive documentation of child counsel appointments creates transparency and accountability in how children receive legal representation in court cases involving custody, abuse, neglect, or other matters affecting minors. This data enables policymakers and advocates to identify gaps in representation, assess resource allocation, and ensure no children fall through administrative cracks.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation cost and burden: Courts may require new administrative systems, staff training, and database infrastructure to implement statewide documentation requirements
  • Data privacy concerns: Documenting detailed records about children's legal cases raises questions about protecting sensitive personal information and limiting access appropriately
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill may lack clarity on which types of proceedings require documentation or how documentation standards should be defined, potentially causing inconsistent implementation across jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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