GALThe guardian ad litem is appointed to represent the best interests and legal interests of a child involved in a dependency proceeding and to develop recommendations regarding the child’s best interests. GALs represent the best interests and protect the legal interests of children in all phases of child welfare court proceedings. To do so, a GAL may meet with each child, interview the parents and caretakers, and review any relevant court, psychological and school records. In certain situations, the court will appoint a GAL and counsel for the child. In that case, the GAL represents the best interests of the child, and counsel represents the legal interests and express wishes of the child.
GuardianPeople who fulfill some of the responsibilities of the legal parent role, although the courts or birth parents may continue to hold some jurisdiction of the child. Guardians do not have the same reciprocal rights of inheritance as birth or adoptive parents. Legal guardianship ends at the child’s majority or by order of the court.
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Independent LivingThis term refers to services designed to help eligible children and youth involved with the county children and youth agency acquire the skills they need to successfully transition to adulthood.
ILThis term refers to services designed to help eligible children and youth involved with the county children and youth agency acquire the skills they need to successfully transition to adulthood.
Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978ICWA applies when an Indian child is involved in child custody proceeding. The act states that this law “is the policy of this nation to protect the best interest of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families by the establishment of minimum federal standards for the removal of Indian children from their families and the placement of such children in foster or adoptive home which will reflect the unique values of Indian culture, and by providing for assistance to Indian tribes in the operation of child and family service programs. Indian Child Welfare Act of 1970
