Recent News

May 16, 2008

Basics of serving as GAL offered

The course required by the Franklin County Juvenile Court per Local Rule # 4 to satisfy the eligibility requirement for serving as Guardian ad Litem is being offered on Tuesday, May 20, 1:30 – 4:45. Organized by attorney Susan Kenney-Pfalzer, this live course features attorney Suzanne Elswick Martello, who concentrates her practice in Guardian ad Litem appointments in both the Domestic Relations and Juvenile Courts.

Ms. Martello will cover the applicable local rules, eligibility requirements to serve as GAL in Juvenile Court, the dual appointment as Attorney and GAL, along with ethical considerations regarding the dual appointment and will discuss written reports and court appearances—the basic duties and responsibilities of the GAL, with practical information on how best to fulfill this role.

Also included in the seminar is the “Anatomy of a Juvenile Case” with David A. Colley, a private practitioner who focuses on children’s issues. He will discuss the language and roadmap of the child protection proceeding; time frames of the case; and what happens after the disposition, and beyond.

Magistrates Lorenzo Sanchez and William J. Kirby, will provide the “View from the Juvenile Court Bench.”

John T. Ryerson, Jr., Aria Daugherty Smith, and Susan Kenney-Pfalzer, will discuss issues affecting Guardians ad Litem in Juvenile Court, such as Supreme Court guidelines; mandatory reporting; billing; working with Franklin County Children’s Services and reviewing records of that agency; Permanent Court Commitment documents and writing reports; the Guardian ad Litem’s role in case plans and attendance at Semi-Annual Review, and as a witness.

Those new to the practice or those needing a refresher can register online or phone 614/221.4112 for event #3778. The cost is $85 prepaid/$100 day of for members, $125 prepaid/$140 day of for non-members and $55 prepaid/$70 day of for paralegals.