Who is the attorney that represents the interests of the child in CPS cases?

The attorney who represents the interests of the child in Child Protective Services (CPS) cases is the Guardian ad litem. This role is specifically focused on ensuring the child's best interests are taken into account during legal proceedings. The Guardian ad litem conducts their own investigation into the child's situation and makes recommendations to the court based on what they believe is in the child's best interest, rather than serving the interests of the parents or the state.

In this context, while a public defender may represent parents in a CPS case, their primary focus is on defending the parent's rights, rather than advocating for the child's interests. Similarly, a family attorney typically assists families with legal matters ranging from divorce to adoption, but they do not specifically advocate for children's interests in CPS cases. A child advocate can provide supportive resources and speak on behalf of the child, but this role can vary and does not necessarily involve the legal representation required in CPS proceedings. Thus, the Guardian ad litem is the most appropriate designation for this specific role in child welfare cases.