(1) If the child, ward, parent or guardian requests counsel for the child or ward but is without sufficient financial means to employ suitable counsel possessing skills and experience commensurate with the nature of the petition and the complexity of the case, the court may appoint suitable counsel to represent the child or ward at state expense if the child or ward is determined to be financially eligible under the policies, procedures, standards and guidelines of the Oregon Public Defense Commission. Whenever requested to do so, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child or ward in a case filed pursuant to ORS § 419B.100. The court may not substitute one appointed counsel for another except pursuant to the policies, procedures, standards and guidelines of the Oregon Public Defense Commission.

Have a question?
Click here to chat with a criminal defense lawyer and protect your rights.

(2) Upon presentation of the order of appointment under this section by the attorney for the child or ward, any agency, hospital, school organization, division or department of the state, doctor, nurse or other health care provider, psychologist, psychiatrist, police department or mental health clinic shall permit the attorney to inspect and copy any records of the child or ward involved in the case, without the consent of the child or ward or parents. This subsection does not apply to records of a police agency relating to an ongoing investigation prior to charging. [1993 c.33 § 72; 1993 c.234 § 1; 1993 c.546 § 38; 2001 c.962 § 43; 2003 c.396 44,45; 2003 c.449 9,46; 2023 c.281 § 63]