Any child who, is alleged to be abused or neglected as a subject of a petition filed in family court under this chapter, shall have a guardian ad litem and/or a court-appointed special advocate appointed by the court to represent this child, all in the discretion of the court. If the parent or other person responsible for the child's care is financially unable to engage counsel as determined by the court, the court may, at the request of that person, and in its discretion, appoint the public defender, or other council, to represent the person. The cost of other counsel in those instances shall be paid by the state. In every court proceeding under this chapter in which it is a party, the department shall be represented by its legal counsel.
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