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During judicial proceedings in cases of child abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and/or institutional neglect, the defendant may appear together with his/her attorney. However, legal representation shall not be mandatory. Defendants may waive their right to an attorney at any time, including when waiving custody and parental rights.\nThe interests of a minor who, as alleged in court, has been the victim of abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and/or institutional neglect shall be represented by an Advocate for Family Affairs, appointed by the Governor for that purpose, who shall also have the ministerial duty to keep the minor informed of the most relevant aspects of his/her case, to the extent that his/her intellectual and emotional abilities so allows.\nHistory —Dec. 16, 2011, No. 246, § 32, eff. 90 days after Dec. 16, 2011.