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General Program Information

Program Values

The Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program seeks justice for children by:

• Ensuring no child falls through the cracks of our child welfare or family court system because of a lack of an effective Guardian ad Litem to look after their interests.
• Ensuring the most vulnerable children (pursuant to federal and state mandates) are the top priorities of the entire state court system.
• Providing competent, cost-effective, and professional service by Guardians ad Litem, supervisors, and managers.
• Working as a unified and cohesive team to realize common goals and share statewide resources, ideas, and strategies.
• Providing fair and equitable treatment of Guardians Ad Litem.
• Being accountable, ethical, and professional as individuals and as a system.
• Being sensitive to, and competent in, areas of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, and the long-term impact of violence and abuse on child development.

Program Goals

1. To provide well-trained, highly effective Guardian ad litem advocacy for every abused, neglected and maltreated child in Minnesota’s Juvenile and Family courts.
2. To create and manage a statewide GAL administrative structure with standardized policies that:
   • Ensures consistent, high quality GAL advocacy for every maltreated child
   • Promotes safe, nurturing and permanent homes for maltreated children
   • Is cost-effective and well-managed
   • Is accountable for results and to the public good
   • Promotes professional and ethical GAL practice
   • Is flexible and respectful of local needs and culture
   • Builds public trust and confidence in the judiciary
3. To promote a competent, professional and ethical workforce that is treated fairly and is adequately trained and supervised.

How To Become A GAL

To learn about becoming either a paid or volunteer GAL, please click on this link Volunteer Opportunities or contact the GAL Program Manager in your area.

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Additional Background Information

Office of the Legislative Auditor Guardians ad Litem Program Evaluation (1995)

• Executive Summary www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us
  /ped/1995/GUARDSUM.HTM
• Progress Report to Legislative Auditor (2004)

Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Task Force on the Guardian ad Litem System Final Report and Proposed Rules (1996) GAL_REPORT_1996.pdf