Appointed by the court pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/2-17.
Has the authority to call witnesses and present evidence.
GAL Appointment models vary across the state. Examples include: Contract attorneys, (Assistant) Public Defenders, CASA or dedicated offices
The purpose of the GAL is to advocate for the minor's best
interest.
In some counties attorneys act in a dual role of GAL and Attorney for the Child
What are best interest factors under the Illinois Juvenile Court Act?
(4.05) Whenever a "best interest" determination is required, the following factors
shall be considered in the context of the child's age and developmental needs:
(a) the physical safety and welfare of the child, food, shelter, health, and
clothing;
(b) the development of the child's identity;
(c) the child's background and ties, including familial, cultural, and
religious;
(d) the child's sense of attachments, including:
(i) where the child actually feels love, attachment,
and a sense of being valued (as opposed to where adults believe the child should
feel such love, attachment, and a sense of being valued);
(ii) the child's sense of security;
(iii) the child's sense of familiarity;
(iv) continuity of affection for the child;
(v) the least disruptive placement alternative for the
child;
(e) the child's wishes and long-term goals;
(f) the child's community ties, including church, school, and friends;
(g) the child's need for permanence which includes the child's need for
stability and continuity of relationships with parent figures and with siblings
and other relatives;
(h) the uniqueness of every family and child;
(i) the risks attendant to entering and being in substitute care; and
(j) the preferences of the persons available to care for the child.
705 ILCS 405/1-3 (4.05)
Alpa Patel Chief Deputy, Office of the Public Guardian, Circuit Court of Cook County
What Makes a Good Guardian Ad Litem
Diligence, consistency, empathy
Continuously developing your knowledge base
Alpa Patel Chief Deputy, Office of the Public Guardian, Circuit Court of Cook County
Dual Role Model For Representation
Child is appointed an attorney.
That attorney serves as both GAL and attorney for the child.
Janel Freeman Guardian ad litem, 3rd Judicial Circuit
What Makes a Good Guardian Ad Litem
Meet youth where they are at - adjust your approach for factors such as age.
It may be appropriate to discuss specifics with older youth.