Report on Guardian Ad Litem Representation of Children in Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings
January 1999
Vickie Wallen
Director Ombudsman
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January 1999, is available in Microsoft™ Word format. In order to view DOC files, you must have Microsoft™ Word or the Microsoft™Word viewer. If your Web browser does not provide this viewer, you can obtain a free copy from Microsoft.™ Choose the Microsoft™ software that is compatible with your system.
Report on Guardian Ad Litem Representation of Children in Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings
January 1999
CONTENTS
Executive Summary
OFCO’s Role and Charge
OFCO’s Statutory Role
- Basis and Scope of this Report
- Role of the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings
- Role of the Court in Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings
- The Federal Mandate to Appoint a GAL to Represent a Child’s Best Interests
Data Collection
Findings and Conclusions
- Children Not Represented by a GAL
- Counties of Concern
- Types of GAL Representation
- Caseload Issues
- Analysis/Conclusions
Recommendations
Appendices
Appendix A: GAL Program Descriptions By County
Appendix B: OFCO Data Collection Procedure
Appendix C: OFCO Child Representation Survey
Appendix D: Survey Data by County
Appendix E: King County Policy Regarding Appointment of Guardians Ad Litem
Appendix F: Spokane County CASA/Guardian Ad Litem Risk Assessment Form