(Effective April 1, 2026) Legal counsel for department

(a) The county department of social services shall be represented by legal counsel for the department in proceedings governed by this Subchapter. (b) Prior to representing the county department of social services in proceedings governed by this Subchapter, legal counsel for the department shall complete a minimum of six hours of training addressing State and federal child welfare law and procedures. (c) The Division in consultation with (i) representatives of county directors and (ii) legal counsel for the department who are department attorneys shall establish ongoing training and practice standards that apply to legal counsel for the department. (2025-16, s. 1.10(b).)