1.1 A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) will be appointed by the Court to act for a child who is subject of certain types of legal proceedings under the Children Act 1989. The Official Solicitor may occasionally act as a Guardian ad Litem.
1.2 Where a GAL is appointed, a Solicitor will also be instructed to act for the child.
1.3 GAL's must investigate as is necessary to carry out their duties including the inspection of relevant records (Section 42(I) Children Act 1989). Such investigation may include any relevant criminal investigation and records. They can take copies of Local Authority records.
1.4 GAL's appointments only last the duration of the proceedings, including any appeal.
1.5 Local Authorities must keep GAL's informed of any change to a child's circumstances and consult generally. They should also invite GAL's to attend as observer at all child protection conferences in respect of the child they represent.
1.6 Failure to produce the child for assessment would constitute grounds for an Emergency Protection Order.
2.1 Welfare Officers are appointed to report on matters of the child's welfare.
2.2 They should be invited to child protection conferences to provide information but will not participate in decision-making.