What does a guardian ad litem do?

The Guardian Ad Litem represents the best interests of the child in a variety of ways. The Guardian Ad Litem is an:

• Investigator:The Guardian Ad Litem independently conducts a thorough investigation on behalf of the child. He/she interviews many people:the child, counselors, pediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists, mental health professionals, people from the neighborhood, schools, churches and law enforcement, and friends. The Guardian Ad Litem also examines and collects records from many sources concerning the child. The Guardian Ad Litem then takes this information to the experts in the community for recommendations on what is best for the child.

• Monitor:The Guardian Ad Litem serves as a monitor of the agencies and persons who provide services to the child.He/she assures that orders of the Court are carried out, and that families and children in need receive the help that they should.

• Protector:The Guardian Ad Litem protects the child from insensitive questioning and the often harmful effects of being embroiled in the adversary court process.

• Spokesperson:The Guardian Ad Litem assures that the child’s wishes are heard, and that the best interest of the child is presented to the Court and agencies dealing with the child.

• Reporter:The Guardian Ad Litem presents information to the Court and helps the Court determine what is in the child’s best interest.He/she prepares a written report, which becomes a permanent part of the child’s record.

Each area has a local program director who trains volunteers, matches cases and assists each Guardian Ad Litem in his work.Staff members assist the Guardian Ad Litem in preparation of reports and other material.Each program has a lawyer who advises volunteers on the protection of children’s rights and represents the Guardian Ad Litem and the child in contested court proceedings.In addition, each program has a network of community resources and experts who are available to assist each Guardian Ad Litem.

Any person who has common sense and good judgment can be a Guardian Ad Litem. A Guardian Ad Litem does not have to be a lawyer, counselor, therapist or parent, since he/she does not perform these roles for the child.A volunteer Guardian Ad Litem should be a person who has perhaps dealt with crises in his/her own life, and is capable of helping a child in crisis.He/she should be person who CARES …and is able to give TIME to help a child.Volunteers will be matched with children depending on how much time they are able to give, the seriousness of the case, and the backgrounds of the volunteer and the child.Cases usually require from two to ten hours per week.