A CASA/GAL is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by the judge to serve as guardian ad Litem under Ohio Revised Code ?2151.281. Pursuant to the statue, the guardian ad Litem must advocate for the best interests of the child.

Guardians ad litem (GAL) are appointed by a commission recently established by the state legislature which is currently developing new procedures and qualifications. For more information, you can go to the Guardian as Litem Board page at http://www.nh.gov/gal/certified.htm.

In order to change the GAL, you must file a motion with the court where your case was heard. The judge or marital master in your case is the only one who can change that appointment.

In family cases, a guardian ad litem is appointed when parents cannot agree to a custody and visitation arrangement for children. Typically the judge or marital master issues an order appointing a particular GAL to investigate specific issues that are in dispute. The court order will designate how much each party is required to pay the GAL unless the parties are indigent.

Generally GAL fees are paid from the ward's estate; however, if the ward's estate is insolvent, then the GAL will bill the county.

The attorney ad litem is appointed to represent the proposed ward in connection with the guardianship of an adult incapacitated person as soon as the court investigator files his report with the Court. The Attorney ad litem is appointed in connection with the guardianship of a minor as soon as the application is received by the Court.

Try to resolve the issues through your lawyer and the guardian ad litem. If that doesn’t work, or you are not satisfied, then all issues concerning a guardian ad litem should be addressed to the judge or marital master in your case. It is possible to file a complaint with the Chief Justice of the Superior Court or the Administrative Judge of the Family Division.

We would never ask you to do anything or go anywhere that makes you feel unsafe. You can take a social worker, another GAL, staff member, or police officer on a home visit if you need to. You can also arrange meetings in public places; if a volunteer is unable to attend court or a meeting, a GAL staff member will attend in his or her place.

For example, parents are the natural guardians of their minor children, an aunt may be appointed guardian of a minor child who has lost both parents, or a friend may serve as guardian for the property of a temporarily disabled person. A guardian is appointed by the court, and must follow certain procedures, such as providing the court with regular reports, but is not required to have specific training to carry out this role. The guardianship may last for a short time or indefinitely.

Many of our volunteers have full-time jobs. Much of the work can be done on the weekend, in the evening, or on the telephone. You would need your employer's permission to take off work when you have a court date (every three to six months, depending on the case). (Last updated on 01/22/2003 )

The social worker represents the Department of Social Services (DSS), which has legal custody of the child or children involved. DSS is concerned with ensuring the safety of the child(ren), and is charged with finding a permanent caregiver for the child, whether it is the parent(s), other relatives, foster care, adoption, or some other safe placement.