Guardian Ad Litem Code Of Conduct Template printable pdf download

Guardian ad Litem Code of Conduct

The Guardian ad Litem Code of Conduct defines the conduct expectations and requirements of a

Guardian ad Litem. You will be asked to sign a copy of this document at the end of training

indicating that you understand and are willing to abide by this 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 interest of the

child;

(4)

respect the privacy of the child and the family;

(5)

hold confidential all information obtained in the course of service as a guardian

ad litem, 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 GAL’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 litem or any member of the GAL’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 approval from Program staff before submitting any document to the

court or other parties;

(13)

monitor the child regularly, including visiting the child every 30 days at a

minimum; unless that visitation standard is specifically waived on a case- by-

case basis by the Circuit Director;

(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 litem activity at least every thirty (30)

days with Program staff and regularly submit case activity sheets; and

(16)

complete six hours of in-service training annually.

Guardian Ad Litem Code Of Conduct Template

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