16.1-343 - Involuntary commitment; duties of attorney for the minor. - Virginia Statutes

§ 16.1-343. Involuntary commitment; duties of attorney for the minor.

As far in advance as practicable after an attorney is appointed to representa minor under this article, the minor's attorney shall interview the minor;the minor's parent, if available; the petitioner; and the qualifiedevaluator. He shall interview all other material witnesses, and examine allrelevant diagnostic and other reports.

Any state or local agency, department, authority or institution and anyschool, hospital, physician or other health or mental health care providershall permit the attorney appointed pursuant to this article to inspect andcopy, without the consent of the minor or his parents, any records relatingto the minor whom the attorney represents.

The obligation of the minor's attorney during the hearing or appeal is tointerview witnesses, obtain independent experts when possible, cross-examineadverse witnesses, present witnesses on behalf of the minor, articulate thewishes of the minor, and otherwise fully represent the minor in theproceeding. Counsel appointed by the court shall be compensated in an amountnot to exceed $100.

(1990, c. 975; 1993, c. 344; 2004, cc. 66, 1014; 2008, c. 807; 2010, cc. 778,825.)