Posted: March 4, 2005
Code of Judicial Administration
CJA 01-205. Standing and ad hoc committees. Amend. Recognizes the court interpreter advisory panel as a standing committee. Establishes the Guardian ad Litem Oversight Committee. Establishes sunset dates for all standing committees. Approved effective February 28, 2005 as an expedited amendment under Rule1-205. Subject to further change after the comment period.
CJA 04-906. Guardian ad litem program. Amend. Describes the duties of the Guardian ad Litem Oversight Committee. Establishes procedures for complaints against guardian ad litem attorneys and staff. Approved effective February 28, 2005 as an expedited amendment under Rule1-205. Subject to further change after the comment period.
1. The committee is to monitor and report to only the Committee compliance by the guardian ad litem’s office. The guardian ad litem should not be given the cloak of secrecy (i.e. protection from public scrutiny) that is given to judges. Guardians should not be viewed by the judiciary as fellow judges and a guardian’s position should not be given greater deference than that of any other advocate. The close association of the guardian’s office with the courts is disturbing enough without protecting them from public evaluation. 4-906(3)(H)
2. The rule concerning appeal from a decision of the Director needs to be clarified. 4-906(9). There are references to the Director’s decision being final (9(B) and 9(C)). There is a further reference to appeals from the Director’s decision where permitted (9(F)(iv)) but no clarification of when appeals are permitted or what the standard of review is.