GAL pilot program for parents with mental disabilities passes Indiana Senate
The Indiana Senate has given its approval to a bill that would provide guardians ad litem to parents in adoption cases who have mental disabilities.
guardian ad litem
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Web Exclusive: IN Supreme Court introduces proposed GAL guidelines that advocates say are ‘long overdue’
Guardians ad litem have been part of civil family law cases for decades, but there have never been any formal guidelines for the role of a GAL in the Indiana judicial system. The Indiana Supreme Court is taking steps to change that.
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Senate Bill 180 reignites conversation about direct representation for CHINS, TPR proceedings
Indiana is one of just six states that does not require counsel for children in child welfare cases in any situation, according to the National Association of Counsel for Children. Although Indiana Code § 31-32-4-2 does give state court judges the discretion to appoint counsel for children in child welfare cases, stakeholders say the Hoosier State could be forced to implement a direct representation program either through lawsuits filed by national children’s rights organization or federal legislation that Congress is considering.
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Kids’ Voice, Child Advocates finding ways forward after shift of GAL/CASA contract
The fallout is continuing from Indianapolis’ decision to switch providers of CASA and guardian ad litem services.
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Articles
Pilot program giving GALs to parents with intellectual disabilities scheduled for full Senate vote
The Indiana Senate is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a bill that would create a guardian ad litem pilot program for parents in adoption cases who have intellectual disabilities.
Child Advocates CEO Booth to retire
Cindy Booth, the longtime leader of Child Advocates Inc., will retire next year after 30 years with the nonprofit.
IN Supreme Court releases proposed GAL guidelines, invites comment
Qualifications, training requirements and the ability to retain counsel are among the rules included in a proposal that would introduce the state’s first guardian ad litem guidelines.
Father who lost custody after relative’s sexual abuse loses appeal
A father who lost primary custody of his daughter after she was molested by her cousin failed to find relief from the Court of Appeals of Indiana.
Former St. Joseph Co. referee admonished for suspending parenting time based on unauthorized ex parte information
A former St. Joseph County referee has avoided formal discipline after she temporarily suspended a father’s parenting time based on notes she received from a guardian ad litem that she later refused to share with the father and his counsel.
COA: GAL wrongly appointed in grandparent visitation dispute
A guardian ad litem should not have been appointed in a visitation dispute between a mother and her child’s grandfather after he was denied more than a year’s worth of visitations, the Court of Appeals of Indiana has ruled, remanding to determine if a modification of the parties’ agreement is in the child’s best interests.
Kids’ Voice receives state GAL/CASA certification
Kids’ Voice has met the requirements and has been certified as a GAL/CASA service provider by the state, allowing the city of Indianapolis to be partially reimbursed for the nearly three-year $5.4 million contract it awarded the nonprofit in May.
Merger of GAL, CASA programs puts more eyes on kids
What began as a conversation 18 months ago culminated in May with the merger of the guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocates programs in Allen County, bringing together attorneys and volunteers to serve the abused and neglected children who are involved with the court system.
Kids’ Voice formalizes $5.4 million CASA/GAL contract with Indianapolis
Kids’ Voice of Indiana has signed a contract with the city of Indianapolis to provide guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocate services to Marion Superior Courts through the end of 2023, with the nonprofit set to receive $5.4 million for the remainder of 2021.
Talks end, Kids’ Voice to take over GAL/CASA program
Like a couple deciding not to marry, Kids’ Voice of Indiana and Child Advocates were unable to work out a prenuptial agreement after weeks of negotiations and are now focused on who will take care of the children.
Kids’ Voice taking over GAL/CASA services after Child Advocates walks
Kids’ Voice of Indiana will be the sole operator of the guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocate programs for Marion County juvenile courts after Child Advocates, which had provided those services for decades, rejected the subcontract agreement the two organizations had been negotiating.
Kids’ Voice hopes to finalize contract with Child Advocates this week
Kids’ Voice of Indiana and Child Advocates are close to inking a deal after the city of Indianapolis announced it would be switching providers of the Guardian Ad Litem and CASA services for the Marion County juvenile court May 1.
GAL/CASA provider change causes anger, confusion
Two Indianapolis nonprofits that serve youngsters in the child welfare system, Child Advocates and Kids’ Voice of Indiana, have been at the center of an argument that many families have had: Who can better care for the youngest members?
Kids’ Voice, Child Advocates in contract talks after report cited cost overruns
With just three weeks before its contract with the city of Indianapolis ends, Child Advocates is trying to negotiate a subcontract with Kids’ Voice so it can continue providing volunteers and staff to advocate for youngsters in Indiana’s child welfare system. Meanwhile, a report questioned longtime contractor Child Advocates’ cost overruns.
Child Advocates worried for young clients after losing Marion County CASA contract
Child Advocates is asking the city of Indianapolis to delay plans to switch CASA providers until the end of year, citing questions about the transition, the ability of Kids’ Voice to handle the work and concerns over the risk to children.
Marion County switches CASA contract from Child Advocates to Kids’ Voice
Kids’ Voice of Indiana, a nonprofit serving children and families, will take over the training and operation of the court-appointed special advocate program in Marion County courts May 1 after the city of Indianapolis switched the contract for the services from Child Advocates.
7th Circuit: State courts, not federal, should rule on counsel for kids in CHINS cases
The question of whether children in CHINS proceedings should be appointed counsel is best left for state court resolution, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled, finding no “civil Gideon” principle requiring counsel in child welfare cases.
Father must consent to stepfather’s adoption of children, appellate court rules
The adoption of two children by their stepfather after their mother died cannot proceed without their father’s consent, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Thursday, reversing a trial court order.
Justices amend public access rules to seal sensitive records
The Indiana Supreme Court has approved amendments to the state’s public access rules to protect certain sensitive records from public view.