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Guardian Ad Litem

NCJ Number
152454
Journal
Journal of Forensic Psychiatry Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 5-8
Author(s)
J Woodhead
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In the English judicial system, guardians ad litem are independent persons appointed by the civil courts in public law to represent the interests of children in care and related proceedings.
Abstract
Guardians ad litem are usually trained and experienced social workers, conversant with child development and family dynamics theories and knowledgeable about child care law and the courts. There are currently 1,000 guardians ad litem in England and Wales, most of whom are self-employed and work from their homes. The guardian ad litem provides independent opinion and recommendations to the court, while working closely with the lawyer whom the guardian appoints to advocate for the child. The implementation of the Children Act 1989 broadened the responsibilities of the guardian ad litem to include making and discharging care and supervision orders, applying for child assessment orders and emergency protection orders, and applying for adoption. The guardian ad litem also has a duty to address the child's level of understanding, his or her wishes about any issue, and the tier of court where the case should be heard. In short, the guardian ad litem must take a child-centered overview and decide how a child may best be provided for. 1 reference

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