Vol. 3, No. 2 • Spring 1999

The Guardian ad Litem
Perspective
by John McMahon

In an effort to enhance foster parents� ability to work
with GALs, Fostering Perspectives interviewed Lynne
Wentworth of the Orange/Chatham Guardian ad Litem program.

What advice would you give to foster parents who feel their foster child�s GAL isn�t getting the �full picture� when it comes to what�s going on with the child?

Talk to the GAL�don�t be afraid to say, �I�m afraid you�re not getting the full picture.� But, when you approach him or her, do so with respect and the understanding that this person is a volunteer. Never, never be afraid to go to a GAL and say, �Here�s what I�m seeing.�

Foster parents are a great resource. We try to make it clear to the GALs just how much foster parents contribute to the well-being of children.

If you really think a GAL�s not getting it or listening to what you have to say, ask that GAL for the phone number of his or her GAL administrator. Say, �I have ongoing concerns and want to speak with one of the staff members in your agency.�

The important thing is to be open about what you are doing so you don�t give the impression you are going behind their backs. Chances are, you�ll still have to work closely with this person.

Do GALs see themselves as part of a team?

I think most GALs start out thinking of themselves as independent, neutral parties, but they soon come around to seeing the importance of the team of players to do what�s best for the child: social workers, therapists, the children themselves, parents (birth parents and foster parents), teachers. And, there are lots of grandparents out there who are often very involved�they�re very important.

Why do you think foster parent/GAL relationships are sometimes strained?

Both sides can be to blame, but sometimes tension occurs because foster parents don�t understand the role and function of GALs. For instance, a foster parent may expect that because a GAL is involved with a child he or she will transport a child, meet with a child a certain number of times, or �make things happen.� Although there are GALs who do, it is not part of a GAL�s job to provide services. Rather, their job is to be an information seeker, an advocate, and a part of a team that finds solutions for the child concerned.

For example, a judge may order occupational therapy and physical therapy for a child. If the judge orders these services for a child, it is the responsibility of the custodial agency (usually DSS) to ensure these services are arranged and delivered. If a foster parent finds that court-ordered services are not being provided, they should voice their concern to the social worker involved.

They should also contact the child�s GAL, inform him or her of the situation, and ask him or her to advocate for the child. In this situation, the GAL will not take the child to therapy, but he or she can frequently do what can be done to push and nudge DSS into action on the child�s behalf.

Or, if the problem is conflicting schedules, he or she may use information gathering skills to find a time that works for the child, the social worker, and the therapist.

Copyright � 2000 Jordan Institute for Families