The court appoints a Guardian ad litem as an officer or agent of the court to protect the best interests of the child and represent the child in legal proceedings. The GAL appointed will usually remain the child’s GAL throughout the entire court proceedings, including Permanency Hearings and Termination of Parental Rights.

Cook County: The Office of the Public Guardian is usually appointed to represent the child as both the Attorney and Guardian ad litem. When the Office of the Public Guardian has a conflict representing a minor, a private attorney or bar attorney is appointed to represent the minor.

Outside Cook County: The GAL appointed for the child may not always be an attorney. If not, the GAL shall be represented in the performance of his/her duties by an attorney.

Foster caregivers and GALs can be important partners in seeing that the child’s best interests and wishes are fairly and accurately represented. By understanding exactly what the GAL is supposed to do, foster caregivers can help foster children through a very difficult period in their lives. Although the GAL is required to represent the “best interests” of the child in court, most of the GAL’s work is done outside the courtroom.

Foster caregivers shouldn’t wait for the ACR, court date, or a scheduled meeting to contact the GAL if their child’s needs are not being met or they have other important information.