Guardians Ad Litem and Children's Attorneys in Arizona: A Qualitative Examination of the Roles. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duchschere, Jennifer E.; Beck, Connie J.; Stahl, Rebecca M.
• Is Part Of: Juvenile & family court journal. Volume 68:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: representing children -- juvenile -- child welfare -- dependency -- children's attorneys -- guardians ad litem -- best interests -- children's wishes -- qualitative research -- client‐directed; Juvenile justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; Juvenile courts -- United States -- Periodicals; Domestic relations courts -- United States -- Periodicals; 346.015
• DOI: 10.1111/jfcj.12093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-7109

Abstract

Abstract: An ongoing debate exists with little research support concerning the differences in the roles of guardians ad litem (GAL) and children's attorneys (CA) in dependency cases. Through qualitative interviews, this study examined GALs' and CAs' perceptions and execution of roles. Both executed their roles similarly and agreed the best interests of the child and the child's wishes are important. Shared goals included child safety, ensuring the child's voice is heard, keeping the family together, and minimizing the distress to the child. Challenges to executing their roles were often systemic, including overwhelmed courts and lack of community resources to serve clients' needs.