A bill for an act relating to legal representation for children who are placed in, or may be placed in, foster care.

HF 373 requires Iowa courts to appoint legal representation for children in foster care based on age: children under 10 must have both a court-appointed lawyer and a separate advocate (guardian ad litem), while children 10 or older only need a lawyer. The bill ensures continuity by directing courts to reappoint the same lawyer or advocate if already serving the child, and mandates that representation continues until a child is no longer in foster care. It also clarifies that lawyers for children must perform specific duties, such as reviewing records and interviewing service providers, but are not required to submit certain written reports. The law applies directly to children involved in foster care proceedings across Iowa.