Back to Basics:

1. Back to Basics: Understanding the principles of being an effective GAL Davidson County Guardian ad Litem Fall In-Service, September 2013

2. Investigations and Follow UpCourt and the GAL RoleCommunication and Relationships

3. Investigations and Follow Up What are the most basic elements of being a GAL? 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. To conduct follow-up investigations to ensure that the orders of the Court are properly executed. To report to the Court when the needs of the juvenile are not being met. To protect and promote the best interest of the juvenile until formally relieved of responsibility by the Court.

4. 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?

5. Investigations and Follow Up What can you do to fulfill your duties as a GAL and overcome those roadblocks? What keeps GALs from doing a good investigation?

6. Investigations and Follow Up What is the most important item to have to complete this duty? “To conduct follow-up investigations to ensure that the orders of the Court are properly executed.”

7. Investigations and Follow Up 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? Court Order Activity

8. Investigations and Follow Up How do you know if their needs are not being met? Who should you interview to determine if their needs are not being met? “To report to the Court when the needs of the juvenile are not being met.”

9. Investigations and Follow Up • Other people to contact monthly • Social Worker • Placement Collateral contacts A proper investigation hinges around GALs visiting their children at least once per month. Advocating for children placed out-of-district Use the Investigation Checklist…take out the guess work!

10. 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”

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.?

15. 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