Guardian Ad L Item example essay topic

GUARDIAN AD LITEM CODE OF CONDUCT The Guardian ad Litem shall: 1. maintain high standards of conduct in carrying out his or her duties and obligations; 2. diligently represent and be guided solely by the best interests of the child; 3. report honestly and impartially to the court on what is in the best interests of the child; 4. respect the privacy of the child and family; 5. hold confidential all information obtained in the course of service as a guardian ad l item, as required by law and these Standards; 6. decline appointment, withdraw, or request assistance when the volunteer recognizes that he or she may not have the time or ability to effectively advocate for a child; 7. affirmatively advise the Program if he or she is charged with or convicted of a criminal offense, or becomes involved in any other court proceeding, as this may cause a conflict of interest or adversely affect the guardian ad l item's ability to effectively advocate for a child; 8. report any new incident of child abuse or neglect to his or her supervisor and the abuse hotline; 9. comply with local circuit Program policies; 10. notify the Program director if the guardian ad l item or any member of the guardian ad l item's immediate family becomes involved in a case with allegations of child abuse or neglect; 11. discuss all recommendations concerning the case with Program staff prior to submitting recommendations to the court; 12. obtain review / approval from Program staff before submitting any document to the court or other parties; 13. monitor the child regularly pursuant to any policies established by the local Program; 14. return identification cards and all case files and related materials to the Program office upon discharge from the case or dismissal from the Program; 15. discuss case progress and guardian ad l item activity at least every sixty (60) days with Program staff and regularly submit case activity sheets; and 16. complete six hours of in service training annually. Guardian ad Litem staff and volunteers shall not: 1. take action which: a. endangers the child, a party, a witness or other person; b. is outside the powers or role of the guardian ad l item; orc. Violates state or local law, court rule, Program policy or court or Program procedure; 2. contravene staff or court direction; 3. repeatedly or significantly fail to perform a responsibility as a guardian ad l item; 4. falsify or fail to disclose information on the guardian ad l item application form, misrepresent facts during the screening interview or commit an act which results in a substantial alteration of the individual's qualifications to serve in the GAL Program; 5. violate the GAL Code of Conduct or the Standards of Operation; 6. transport a child or a family member of a child represented by the Program; 7. engage in conduct that is inappropriate or not in the best interests of the child or the GAL Program; 8. engage in an intimate, social or other nonprofessional relationship with any person connected to the case or be employed in a position that might result in a conflict of interest; 9. practice, condone, facilitate, or participate in any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, political belief, mental or physical handicap, or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition or status; 10. accept a fee for services as a guardian ad l item appointed through the GAL Program; 11. allow any child or family member of a child represented by the Program into their home; 12. give therapeutic counseling; 13. give legal advice or otherwise practice law in their capacity as a guardian ad l item; 14. misrepresent the role or position of the guardian ad l item; 15. engage in any ex parte communication with a judge. I have been provided with a copy of the foregoing Guardian Ad Litem Code of Conduct. I have read said Code of Conduct, and fully understand the requirements of this Code.

I understand that a signed copy of this Code will be placed in my Volunteer file. I understand that if I fail to comply with any requirement of this Code, I may be de certified as a Guardian ad Litem, and may be discharged from the Program. Date Guardian Ad Litem.