Volunteer Guardian ad Litem

Overview

We support trained, effective Guardians ad Litem to advocate for safe and permanent homes for the children we represent. We aim to build and sustain an effective, racially equitable program that advocates for children and their families with compassion, high engagement, and a community lens.

The Program desires advocates who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Our Guardian ad Litem (GAL) are independent from the court and the child welfare system and are appointed by a judge to represent a child's best interests in court proceedings. The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program is a state agency providing services throughout the state of Minnesota.

Volunteer Juvenile Court Guardian ad Litem – Committed to giving children a strong voice.

We are seeking volunteer Guardians ad Litem to advocate for children in juvenile court proceedings. Work is performed under the supervision of a Program Supervisor and administered under the direction of the GAL Program Managers for the 2nd Judicial District (Ramsey County), 4th Judicial District (Hennepin County), and 10th Judicial District (Washington, Anoka, Wright, Sherburne, Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Kanabec counties).

Introduction:

Volunteer Guardians ad Litem are responsible for advocating and representing the best interests of children involved in child abuse and neglect matters in Juvenile court proceedings. Program procedures and guidelines ensure the responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Minnesota Rules of Practice and Guardian ad Litem Procedure, Juvenile Protection Rules, the Minnesota Rules of Court, Statutes and Administrative Orders and Policies;

GAL Board Policies; GAL Program Standards; and district and local program requirements.

Work involves:

• Monthly observation of children in home and other settings to document interactions with caretakers, peers, and others.
• Compilation of accurate, precise, and factual findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding the child’s best interests within the context of their family and community, to prepare written and/or oral reports to the court in a timely manner per court rules and program policies.
• Attendance at court hearings and other proceedings to present oral and written recommendations to the court and/or to testify as required.

Primary Responsibilities:

Examines files and discovery for relevant documents and data pertaining to the child, including basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances to collect information for proceedings.

• Reviews and researches files and discovery for information in proceedings, relevant documents, and data pertaining to the child and basic facts of the case and any extenuating circumstances.

• Meets with and observes the child in the home and other settings, documents the child's interaction with caretakers, peers, and others; prepares interview questions appropriate to the case; interviews the child and others involved using recommended interview techniques; obtains releases of information.

• Keeps accurate and precise notes in accordance with GAL program requirements and access rules; organizes and catalogs interview/file review notes and records.

• Demonstrates knowledge of and sensitivity to the child’s cultural background in working with family and community members and considers cultural issues in making appropriate recommendations to the court on behalf of the child.

• Prepares written reports to the court in a timely manner according to court rules, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Attends court hearings and prepares all necessary reports and documentation for the Court; makes written and oral recommendations; testifies as required; attends staffings, administrative reviews, case plan meetings, and other proceedings; maintains an accurate calendar of hearings; files reports and materials timely; questions witnesses when appropriate; determines when to request legal representation; works with an attorney in case preparation and review.

• Compiles, organizes, and maintains accurate and up-to-date case files; adheres to record and case confidentiality/access rules;…