Community Game Changers – Guardian ad litem Best Practices Sub-Committee

The Illinois State Bar Association – Child Law Section developed a Guardian ad litem (GAL) Best Practices Sub-Committee. The mission statement of the subcommittee is to collaborate and:

1. Survey the statutory provisions, rules, regulations and policies relating to the appointment of a guardian ad litem and analyze the following factors, among others, as to whether:

a.) there is clarity and consistency in the law,
b.) they are child-centric and equity focused, and
c.) they promote a child’s best interest.

2. Collect information regarding the practices and procedures of guardians ad litem from multiple stakeholders in each judicial circuit.

3. Assess whether the practices and procedures relating to legal matters involving a guardian ad litem promote a child’s best interest and are:

a.) child centric,
b.) developmentally appropriate,
c.) strength based,
d.) trauma informed,
e.) equity focused, and
f.) expeditious.

4. Develop standards of best practices for guardians ad litem.

5. Propose legislation, rules, regulations and policies in matters involving the appointment and responsibilities of a guardian ad litem as well as how best to support guardians ad litem.

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