Term of Service of Guardian Ad Litem

Unless a new guardian ad litem is designated by the guardian ad litem manager or manager's designee, or otherwise ordered by the court, upon appointment to a juvenile protection matter the guardian ad litem shall serve as follows: (a) when the permanency plan for the child is to return the child home, the court shall issue an order dismissing the guardian ad litem from the case upon issuance of an order returning the child to the child's home and terminating the juvenile protection matter; (b) when the permanency plan for the child is transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative, the court shall issue an order discharging the guardian ad litem from ongoing responsibilities but continuing the guardian ad litem as a party to the proceeding until final resolution of all post-trial motions and appeal or until the time for appeal has passed if no appeal is filed; (c) when the permanency plan for the child is termination of parental rights leading to adoption, or guardianship to the commissioner following a voluntary consent to adopt, the guardian ad litem shall continue to serve as a party until the adoption decree is entered; (d) when the permanency plan for the child is permanent custody to the agency, the guardian ad litem shall continue to serve as a party for the purpose of monitoring the child's welfare, and shall provide the foster parent and child, if of suitable age, with the address and phone number of the guardian ad litem so that they may contact the guardian ad litem if necessary. The guardian ad litem shall be provided notice of all social services administrative reviews and shall be consulted regarding development of any case plan, out-of-home placement plan, or independent living plan required pursuant to Rule 26. (Amended effective January 1, 2025.)