Office of Guardian ad Litem
Office of Guardian ad Litem
During 1997, over 3100 children with cases pending in the Utah juvenile courts were not accused of a crime. These children had been abused, neglected or abandoned. Judges were given the responsibility to decide the fate of these children. Both legal representation and coordinated assistance were necessary to assure their needs were met.
Each of these cases was referred to the Office of Guardian ad Litem. A guardian ad litem is a lawyer appointed by the court to look after the interests of an infant, child or incompetent during court proceedings. The guardian ad litem may represent children in custody actions where there are allegations of abuse or neglect, or in protective order proceedings. The guardian ad litem also represents children who are in foster care. Since legal representation for these children is only one aspect of assuring their well-being, the guardian ad litem must work closely with foster parents, therapists, caseworkers, teachers, pediatricians and other medical professionals to determine what action is in the best interest of a child
CASA's - Volunteers Make the Process Work
Guardian ad Litem attorneys are assisted by court appointed volunteers referred to as CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA volunteers are members of the community who work with a guardian ad litem to represent the best interest of a child whose case is before the court. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of both the guardian ad litem and the court. They gather relevant information about the child, the family, and most importantly, they get to know the child. A CASA volunteer spends an average of 8 hours per month on the case they are assigned.
There are now 400 CASA volunteers throughout Utah. If you are interested in applying to be a CASA volunteer, call 578-3962.