ࡱ> PRO#` \bjbjmm 7>.-FFFFFFFZ8D:4Z"9zz"8888888$:hv<8F8FF8{{{vFF8{8{{=0FF7n rw-66880"9c6V&=d&=l7&=F7vT{fD88^"9ZZZd ZZZZZZFFFFFF GUARDIAN AD LITEM SAMPLE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Preamble All guardians ad litem are to adhere to the following standards approved by the Juvenile Judge(s) in _____________ County. At a minimum, the below listed statutory expectations shall be performed by all guardians ad litem performing work in ___________ County. The guardian ad litem is to function independently in the same manner as an attorney for a party to the action, be a spokesperson for those whose voices would otherwise go unheard, and provide the court with an objective recommendation in advocating for the best interests of a child or ward that takes into account factors such as age, sense of time, level of maturity, culture and ethnicity, degree of attachment to family members and attachment to family members. Minimum Statutory Expectations Current statutes define the duties and responsibilities of a guardian ad litem. The following is a summary of those requirements: CHIPS & JIPS Be an attorney admitted to practice in this state and qualified to accept guardian ad litem appointments by meeting the qualifications of SCR 35.01. 48.235(2) and 938.235(2) Advocate for the best interests of the person or child for whom the appointment is made. 48.235(3) and 938.235(3) Function independently, in the same manner as an attorney for a party to the action. 48.235(3)(a) and 938.235(3)(a) If the best interests of the person or child are substantially inconsistent with the wishes of that person or child, the guardian ad litem shall so inform the court. 48.235(3)(a) and 938.235(3)(a) Make clear and specific recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of the child at every stage of the proceeding. 48.235(3)(b)2. and 938.235(3)(b)2. Personally meet with the child unless granted leave by the court not to do so. 48.235(3)(b)1. and 938.235(3)(b)1. Assess the appropriateness and safety of the environment of the child unless granted leave by the court not to do so. 48.235(3)(b)1. and 938.235(3)(b)1. If the child is old enough to communicate, interview the child and determine the child's goals and concerns regarding his or her placement unless granted leave by the court not to do so. 48.235(3)(b)1. and 938.235(3)(b)1. If reappointed or the appointment is continued, the guardian ad litem may do any of the following: Participate in permanency planning under 48.38 or 938.38 and 48.43(5). Petition for change in placement under 48.357 or 938.357. c. Petition for termination of parental rights or any other matter specified under 48.14 or 938.14. Petition for revision of dispositional orders under 48.363 or 938.363. Petition for extension of dispositional orders under 48.365 or 938.365. Petition for temporary restraining order and injunction under 813.122 or 813.125. Petition for relief from a judgment terminating parental rights under 48.46. Petition for the appointment of a guardian under 48.977(2), the revision of a guardianship order under 48.977(6) or the removal of a guardian under 48.977(7). To bring an action or motion for the determination of the child's paternity under 767.80. Perform any other duties consistent with Chapter 48 as directed by the court. 48.235(4)(a)8. and 938.235(4)(a)8. TPR In matters involving a minor parent complete the following: If the guardian ad litem represents a minor parent whose parental rights are subject to voluntary termination the guardian ad litem shall interview the minor parent, investigate the reason for the termination of parental rights and assess the voluntariness of the consent. 48.235(5) The guardian ad litem for a minor parent whose parental rights are the subject of a voluntary termination proceeding shall inform the minor parent of the effect of termination of parental rights. 48.235(5) If a guardian ad litem has been appointed in a termination of parental rights proceeding to represent an incompetent parent to assist his or her adversary counsel or the court in protecting the parent's rights in the proceeding, the GAL shall provide information to the court relating to the parent's competency to participate and shall also provide assistance to the court and the parent's adversary counsel in protecting the parent's rights in the proceeding. 48.235(1)(g) and 48.235(5m) However, the guardian ad litem of an incompetent parent may not participate in the proceeding as a party, and may not call witnesses, provide opening statements or closing arguments, or participate in any activity at trial that is required to be performed by the parents adversary counsel. 48.235(5m) APPEAL If an appeal is taken by any party the guardian ad litem shall do the following: If the guardian ad litem chooses not to participate in that appeal he or she shall file with the appellate court a statement of reasons for not participating. 48.235(7) and 938.235(7) If the appellate court orders the guardian ad litem to participate in the appeal the guardian ad litem shall participate in that appeal. 48.235(7) and 938.235(7) EXTENSION OF APPOINTMENT The guardian ad litem or any party or the person for whom the appointment is made may, at any time, request in writing or on the record that the court extend or terminate the appointment or reappointment of the guardian ad litem. 48.235(7) Additional Requirements This section should include local policies and practices, including billing and compensation requirements. See examples. ____________________________ _____________ GALs Signature Date ____________________________ _____________ Judges Signature Date     PAGE  PAGE 1 56?1 2 ? 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