The bill amends the Children's Code to establish new limitations and responsibilities for guardians ad litem, who represent children's best interests in legal proceedings. Specifically, it stipulates that a guardian ad litem shall not serve as guardian ad litem for more than twenty children simultaneously. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a guardian ad litem must convey the child's declared position to the court at every hearing and outlines the duties they must fulfill, such as meeting with the child, communicating with professionals involved in the child's case, and reporting on the child's adjustment to placement.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that a guardian ad litem may retain separate counsel for a child in tort actions outside the jurisdiction of the children's court, provided they notify the court within ten days of doing so. It also specifies that the guardian ad litem must not have any financial interest in actions filed on behalf of the child. The amendments aim to enhance the representation of children's interests in legal matters while ensuring that guardians ad litem are not overburdened by excessive caseloads.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 32A-1-7