Our View: Court holding hearing on guardian ad litem reform
There are enough complaints to warrant a review of this vital child welfare program.
The toughest legal cases are family cases heard in district courts
across Maine. Behind closed doors, decisions that profoundly affect
children and their parents are decided, and at least one party is sure
to walk away unhappy.
This week, the guardian ad litem
program will be the subject of a rare public hearing before Maine's
Chief Justice Leigh Ingalls Saufley.
For the full story: Hearing in Guardian ad litem May 31, 2012
We encourage anyone to attend this meeting to share your views and
thoughts on this topic. You do not have to make a statement. This is an
important meeting regarding guardian ad litem reform and we need your
support.
Location: Maine Supreme Judicial Court 205 Newbury Street, Portland, ME
Phone for more information: (207) 822-4146
Date May 31, 2012
Time 4:00 PM
The court is scheduling a meeting for Thursday, May 31 at 4 pm in the Cumberland County Courthouse to hear from interested parties and the public.
Phone for more information: (207) 822-4146
Date May 31, 2012
Time 4:00 PM
The court is scheduling a meeting for Thursday, May 31 at 4 pm in the Cumberland County Courthouse to hear from interested parties and the public.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/06/01/news/state/critics-worry-about-lack-of-oversight-of-court-appointed-child-advocates-in-maine-urge-reform/
ReplyDeleteRelocate the GAL Board under the Joint Board of Licensures and Certification.
ReplyDeleteThe 2012 LBA GAL Board Audit Observation #1 on page 11 & 12 of the attached audit makes this recommendation. The GAL Board does not concur with this and the Joint Board concurs in part and notes that the GAL Board is already subjected to regulation under the Supreme Court.
To make this change, leglislative activity is required (a new bill).
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/LBA/AuditReports/PerformanceReports/GALB_2012_fu\
ll.pdf
There is talk about licensing GALs here in Maine. It has been suggested several times with contacts within the Judicial Branch here in Maine that maybe some licensing branch already established could undertake this idea. That has been shot down. The idea is sound and at the very least a step in the direction of oversight and accountability.
Delete