Guardian ad Litem Program
Children involved in custody disputes are consistently reported to have feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, and lowered self-esteem. They experience more social disruption, academic decline, and behavioral difficulties at home and at school than do their peers. Interparental conflict before, during and after a divorce also is strongly associated with childhood behavioral problems. Finally, children trapped in high-conflict custody cases are at greater risk of future substance abuse and educational failure.
AVLF recognizes the costs of custody disputes on for children. We have operated the Guardian ad Litem program in the Fulton County Family Division continuously since 1990 and has placed over 2100 trained Guardians in contested custody actions. The Guardians act as the investigative arm of the Court and make recommendations based on the best interest of the children. All too often, in these high conflict matters, the Guardian is the only adult whose role it is focus on what is best for the child. All Guardians receive 8 hours of intensive training from AVLF and are mentored throughout the process.
90 % of the cases assigned AVLF Guardians settle prior to trial. Guardians are frequently able to broker arrangements for the children that will help minimize the impact of the dispute on the children over the long run. Results, such as the following, are not uncommon:
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Jane and John, brother and sister, were the subject of a contested
custody action between their parents. The Guardian ad Litem determined
through his investigation that it was in the best interests that the son
go to live with his father, as he had become involved in gang activity
in his current living environment. The guardian also recognized the
intense bond between the two children. Unfortunately, the investigation
revealed that Jane was not the natural child of the father and therefore
could not be placed in his custody. Jane did not know this. Through the
Guardian's intervention, the parents negotiated a shared parenting
arrangement that enabled them to skirt, for now, the issue of Jane's
parentage, keep the children together for a significant amount of time
and provide John with a secure environment.
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AVLF frequently consults with Guardian programs throughout the state and country. We endeavor to meet the many requests for training that we receive and have recently trained Guardians in the 10th Judicial District and Savannah. In addition, AVLF provided significant input into the Uniform Guardian ad Litem Rules adopted by the Georgia Supreme Court.
In order to serve as a Guardian ad Litem through AVLF, volunteers must complete our training program and be an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Georgia. We typically old trainings in October and March. To be placed on a list for notification of the next Guardian ad Litem Training, send an email to adonalson@avlf.org. We welcome the participation of paraprofessionals if they are able to partner with attorney as part of a Guardian ad Litem team.
For further information about our Guardian ad Litem program please contact Dawn Smith, Deputy Director at (404) 521-0790 or e-mail Dawn.
