Back to Basics: Understanding the principles of being an effective GAL Davidson County Guardian ad...
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Transcript of Back to Basics: Understanding the principles of being an effective GAL Davidson County Guardian ad...
Back to Basics:Understanding the principles of being an effective GAL
Davidson County Guardian ad Litem Fall In-Service, September 2013
Investigations and Follow Up
Court and the GAL Role
Communication and Relationships
Investigations and Follow Up
What are the most basic elements of being a GAL?
1) To make an investigation to determine the facts, the needs of the juvenile, and the available resources within the family and community to meet those needs.
2) To conduct follow-up investigations to ensure that the orders of the Court are properly executed.
3) To report to the Court when the needs of the juvenile are not being met.
4) To protect and promote the best interest of the juvenile until formally relieved of responsibility by the Court.
Investigations and Follow Up
“To make an investigation to determine the facts, the needs of the juvenile, and the available resources within the family and community to meet those needs.”
What makes for a good investigation?
Investigations and Follow Up
What keeps GALs from doing a good investigation?
What can you do to fulfill your duties as a GAL and overcome those roadblocks?
Investigations and Follow Up
“To conduct follow-up investigations to ensure that the orders of the Court are properly executed.”
What is the most important item to have to complete this duty?
Investigations and Follow Up
Court Order Activity
Could your team identify all of the sections?Why is it important that you read over this order? What can you do to improve your use of the court orders?
Investigations and Follow Up
“To report to the Court when the needs of the juvenile are not being met.”
How do you know if their needs are not being met?
Who should you interview to determine if their needs are not being met?
Investigations and Follow Up
A proper investigation hinges around GALs visiting their children at least once per month.
Other people to contact monthly• Social Worker• Placement
Collateral contacts
Advocating for children placed out-of-district
Use the Investigation Checklist…take out the guess work!
Court and the GAL Role
Why do we go to Court?
Who are the players in Court and what are they supposed to do?
What is the GAL role?
“The best way to settle a case is to be prepared”
Court and the GAL Role
Prepare yourself for all outcomes
Remember our role and the roles of the other players in the courtroom
Leave court knowing you have done your job well (hopefully!) regardless of the outcome
Immediately begin planning how you can advocate effectively with the new court order
Communication and Relationships
Do the activity and discuss
What has worked for you to build relationships with DSS? With placements? Service providers?
You will have to show the Social Worker your commitment level in the beginning to make a strong relationship
Communication and Relationships
Tips to show your commitment:
• Meet the social worker
• Tell them your expectations of them; ask their expectations of you
• Let them know how involved you want to be
• Spearhead communication
GAL Supervision/Guidance
What do YOU need from the GAL staff to:
• Conduct a thorough investigation and consistent follow-up?
• Understand our role in the court room?
• Communicate effectively with DSS, service providers, placements, etc.?
Our Take-Aways
• THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO!
• Visit your children every month; staff will be following up
• Read orders…know the expectations of the Court, DSS, and GAL
• Use the investigation checklist to ensure a proper investigation
• Remember our role in court (and everyone else’s) and prepare yourself for all outcomes
• Work on building good relationships through consistent communication; take the lead on building the bridge