Indiana Code 31-9-2-50. “Guardian ad litem”
(1) represent and protect the best interests of a child; and
Terms Used In Indiana Code 31-9-2-50
- Attorney: includes a counselor or other person authorized to appear and represent a party in an action or special proceeding. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
(A) researching;
(B) examining;
(C) advocating;
(D) facilitating; and
(E) monitoring;
the child’s situation.
A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 28 of this chapter.
(b) “Guardian ad litem”, for purposes of IC 31-32-3-10.5, IC 31-33, IC 31-34, IC 31-35 and IC 31-37, means an attorney, a volunteer, or an employee of a county program designated under IC 33-24-6-4 who:
(1) is appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child;
(2) is appointed by a court to provide the child with services requested by the court, including:
(A) researching;
(B) examining;
(C) advocating;
(D) facilitating; and
(E) monitoring;
the child’s situation; and
(3) has completed training appropriate for the person’s role, including training in:
(A) the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and
(B) early childhood, child, and adolescent development;
as required by 42 U.S.C. § 5106a(b)(2)(B)(xiii).
A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 28 of this chapter.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citations: 31-1-11.5-28(b); 31-6-1-6 part; 31-6-1-18 part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.196-1997, SEC.2; P.L.2-1998, SEC.72; P.L.98-2004, SEC.101; P.L.133-2008, SEC.6; P.L.1-2010, SEC.115; P.L.48-2012, SEC.15; P.L.120-2018, SEC.2.