Spotlight on pro bono

Since 1998, the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation has received more than 1,500 court appointments as guardian ad litem (GAL) to advocate for children's best interests in minor guardianship cases before the Cook County Probate Division.

The GAL gives a child a voice in a case when one otherwise might go unheard. Cases may vary from initial guardianship petitions, petitions to discharge an existing guardianship (to a parent, or to a relative as a successor guardian), and petitions for visitation by the minor's parents.

When CVLS first began accepting these appointments, staff attorneys primarily handled the cases. As the number of appointments increased, CVLS expanded the program and now has more than 120 attorneys volunteering as GALs.

While these cases usually do not include current involvement by the Department of Children and Family Services, issues involving alcohol and drug abuse, mental or emotional instability or other such issues are often present.

GALs participate in all phases of the process – mediation between the parties, referrals for social services, discovery and litigation.

Specific case preparation includes meeting with the minor, the minor's parents, the guardian and any other relevant parties; obtaining and reviewing relevant records, writing reports, and appearing in court.

Where the minor has special needs, the GAL must interview educators, counselors and physicians. Where the parties present psychological or psychiatric issues, the GAL might recommend special evaluations.

The GAL's final product, the written report, often includes medical and psychological evidence and may include a wide range of recommendations such as supervised visitation or counseling. A well-drafted report can be influential and even lead the parties to an agreed order resolving all issues.

CVLS will provide training with written materials, sample pleadings and reports. Volunteers are paired with CVLS staff attorneys who will provide direction and assistance as cases are handled.

This is truly an amazing opportunity to impact the life of a child.

For more information about CVLS GAL Program, contact Alecia Wartowski at (312) 332-1916 or send an e-mail to awartowski@cvls.org.