What are the GAL’s responsibilities?

The Supreme Court of Ohio outlines the GAL’s responsibilities, but a court’s local rule may also address specific criteria. A GAL must:

1. Represent the best interest of the child;

2. maintain independence, objectivity and fairness;

3. act with respect and courtesy to the parties;

4. appear and participate in all hearings and at “in camera” interviews between the judge or magistrate and the child;

5. ask the court, in writing, to resolve conflicts by entering appropriate orders;

6. request psychological, mental health or substance abuse assessments regarding the parties;

7. avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest that may arise from any relationship or activity;

8.  make reasonable efforts to learn about the facts of the case by:

• observing the child with each parent, foster parent, guardian or physical custodian and conducting at least one interview with the child where none of these individuals are present;
• visiting the child’s residence in accordance with any court-established standards;
• ascertaining the child’s wishes;
• interviewing the parties, foster parents and other individuals who may have relevant knowledge of the case;
• reviewing pleadings and other relevant court documents;
• reviewing criminal, civil, educational and administrative records pertaining to the child and, if appropriate, to the child’s family or other parties;
• interviewing school personnel, medical and mental health providers, child protective services workers and relevant court personnel, and obtaining copies of relevant records;

9. provide the court with a written report of the activities listed above.

(Ohio Bar Association)