The Iowa Supreme Court has opened two 90-day public comment periods on proposals aimed at strengthening representation and improving timely review in Iowa’s juvenile justice system.
In the first order, Chief Justice Susan Christensen invites public comment on proposed standards for representing children in child in need of assistance (CINA) and termination of parental rights (TPR) proceedings. The draft standards were developed by the Iowa Children’s Justice Child Representation Workgroup and are accompanied by a detailed report from Iowa Children’s Justice. The proposal outlines expectations for attorneys representing children, including training, best practices, and responsibilities designed to promote consistent, high-quality advocacy in these sensitive matters.
In a separate order, Chief Justice Christensen seeks comment on proposed revisions to chapter 6 of the Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure addressing expedited juvenile appeals. The proposed amendments, prepared by the Iowa Judicial Branch Task Force on Expedited Appeals in Termination of Parental Rights and Children in Need of Assistance Cases, include a redlined version showing changes and a task force report explaining the recommendations. The revisions are intended to streamline appellate timelines and enhance clarity in appeals involving CINA and TPR cases.
Both public comment periods run for 90 days, and written comments must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on March 8, 2026.
The orders, proposed standards, redline revisions, and accompanying reports are available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website.
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