Dependent children: relative placements: disclosure.

Existing law requires a court to appoint counsel for a child who is not represented by counsel in dependency proceedings, except as specified. Counsel for the child is required to investigate the interests of the child beyond the scope of the juvenile proceeding, and report to the court other interests of the child that may require protection in other administrative or judicial proceedings. Existing law requires that in any case in which a child is removed from the physical custody of his or her parents due to abuse or neglect, preferential consideration be given to a request by a relative of the child for placement of the child with the relative. This bill would authorize counsel for the child or counsel's agent to disclose to a relative who is being assessed for the possibility of placement of the child the fact that the child is in custody and other related information, as specified. The bill would state that the changes made by this measure are declaratory of existing law, and would also make technical, nonsubstantive changes to those provisions.