The Guardian ad Litem Program Mission Statement
To ensure every trial court in the state has sufficient
numbers of well trained, impartial, supervised, and supported volunteer
Guardians ad Litem to achieve the following goals:
Juvenile Proceedings
Children in Need of Care and Supervision
To advocate on behalf of the best interests of children
alleged to have been abused, neglected, or are beyond the control of their
parents. The goals of the advocacy are to make certain these children and
their families receive appropriate services in a timely manner; that case
plans and court decisions are based on the child'
s best interests; and every child has a safe, stable, and permanent home
within a reasonable period of time.
Delinquency
To advocate on behalf of the best interests of children and
youth accused of committing delinquent or criminal acts. The goals of the
advocacy are to ensure the minor understands his or her rights and the court
proceedings; the child and family receive appropriate legal representation;
and both child and family receive appropriate services to prevent reoccurring
delinquent or criminal behavior.
Domestic Proceedings
Divorce, Parentage, Relief from Abuse, and Civil Union
Dissolution Proceedings
To advocate on behalf of the best interests of involved
children with the goal of assuring the parties and the court consider children'
s best interests and safety in decisions relating to parental rights and
responsibilities and parent-child contact and to minimize the harm suffered by
the child during the breakup of the family. The Guardian ad Litem acts as a
buffer between the child and the adversarial nature of the judicial process.
Proceedings involving adults
To act as an independent advisor and advocate with the goals
of safeguarding the adult's best
interests, his or her legal rights, and to facilitate the adult's understanding and participation in the case.
NOTE: Guardian ad Litem appointments may occur in criminal
cases for adults or minors.