Requires that a guardian ad litem who is appointed to a child to have mandatory conversations with the child

HB 1836 requires guardians ad litem (court-appointed advocates for children) to have a private, 15-minute conversation with the child in every court proceeding involving specific child-related cases. This applies to cases under Missouri laws covering child abuse/neglect (chapters 210, 211), custody/visitation/support (chapter 452), and juvenile proceedings (chapter 453). The bill mandates these conversations occur before each court hearing, ensuring the child’s voice is directly heard by their appointed advocate. It does not change legal standards but adds a procedural requirement for guardians ad litem to engage with the child directly.