Assembly Bill No. 430–Committee on Health
and Human Services

March 10, 1999

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Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

 

SUMMARY—Makes appropriation to Clark County for establishment of pilot program to provide guardians ad litem for children who are abused or neglected. (BDR S-1643)

FISCAL NOTE: Effect on Local Government: No.

Effect on the State or on Industrial Insurance: Contains Appropriation not included in Executive Budget.

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EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted. Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

 

AN ACT making an appropriation to Clark County for the establishment of a pilot program to provide guardians ad litem for children who are abused or neglected; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

Whereas, In judicial proceedings, children’s interests may be

overlooked, inadequately represented or in conflict with those of their

parents or caretakers, and a Court Appointed Special Advocate is therefore

necessary to represent the best interests of the child; and

Whereas, In 1974, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act

established the requirement that "in every case involving an abused or

neglected child which results in a judicial proceeding a guardian ad litem

shall be appointed to represent the child"; and

Whereas, NRS 432B.500 requires that "the court shall appoint a

representative of an agency which provides protective services, a juvenile

probation officer, an officer of the court or a volunteer as a guardian ad

litem to represent and protect the best interests of the child"; and

Whereas, Currently Clark County is not meeting the requirements of

federal and state law to appoint guardian ad litems or child advocates for

children who are abused or neglected; now, therefore,

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN
SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

2-1 Section 1. There is hereby appropriated from the state general fund to

2-2 Clark County the sum of $200,000 for the establishment of a pilot program

2-3 to provide guardians ad litem for children who are abused or neglected.

2-4 Sec. 2. Any remaining balance of the appropriation made by section 1

2-5 of this act must not be committed for expenditure after June 30, 2001, and

2-6 reverts to the state general fund as soon as all payments of money

2-7 committed have been made.

2-8 Sec. 3. This act becomes effective upon passage and approval.

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