Right to counsel

As per M.G.L. ch. 119, § 29(5), children have a right to appointed counsel in court determinations of the future status of children committed to the responsibility of the Department, including permanency plan hearings under chapter 119, § 29B.

Additionally, children shall be entitled to the appointment of counsel in proceedings initiated by the Department of Children and Families or a licensed child care agency, independent of a petition for adoption, "to dispense with the need for consent of any person to the adoption of the child in the care or custody of the department or agency" unless the petition is not contested by any party. M.G.L. ch. 210, § 3(b).