Our Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is named Jenn. Jenn comes from a nearby city and has fostered children herself. She thought it would be a great experience, and a way to use her expertise, to become a GAL. We are her first case.

Jenn has been happy with the girls’ progress so far. “It’s amazing to see their transformations. They went from almost caveman-like to civilized children.” She will see that the girls’ referrals are followed up with and continue to make her visits.

A GAL is the child’s advocate in court. Much like the team/counsel that the parents would have, but for the child. At any point, the GAL is consulted to ensure the child’s best interest is considered with any major decisions.

Jenn was appointed at the beginning at the case, just after removal… which is typical. Jenn, I feel, underestimated how much a GAL truly does. She always seems overwhelmed and our visits are an inconvenience to her. She barely visits us within the mandated 30days and always refers to her husband’s status as a heart surgeon to try and impress me. Sorry lady, it’s not your husband who is involved in this care or who I am taking care of.

I attempted to call Jenn’s boss to seek another assignment. However, her supervisor has changed so much that we are just a case to the new person at this point. Jenn is a volunteer, which is how all GALs are. It keeps an unbiased opinion in check when it comes to their advocacy. I’ll just have to keep Jenn in check to ensure the girls are getting everything they need.

Don’t worry… she didn’t come to our first court hearing.