Statutes | 4 HCC § 3 Chapter VI § 25 | 2020
a. The Court may appoint a Guardian Ad Litem if it deems such appointment is necessary to protect the best interests of the child.
b. A Guardian Ad Litem appointed by the Court will hold the following responsibilities and duties:
(1) Work as an independent fact finder who will review all relevant information, records, and documents interview the child, parent(s), social workers, teachers, and other persons to gather the facts
(2) Determine the interests of the child by taking into account the child&rsquos age, maturity, and culture and by monitoring his or her interest over time
(3) Maintain communication with the child so that he or she is aware of and understands the role of the Guardian ad Litem
(4) Seek cooperative resolution to the childs situation within the scope of the childs best interests and welfare and within the abilities of the identified parties
(5) Appear at all hearings to represent the childs best interests, providing testimony where needed
(6) Explain the court proceedings to the child in language and terms appropriate to the childs age and maturity level
(7) Request that clear and specific orders be entered for the evaluation, assessment, services and treatment of the child and the childs family
(8) Inform the Court promptly if services are not being made available to the child and/or family, services are not achieving their intended purpose, or new developments or violations require a modification of services and
(9) Advocate for the child&rsquos best interests in all other legal, mental health, educational, and community systems.
c. The Guardian Ad Litem shall, as appropriate to the case, make written and oral reports to the Court regarding the best interests of the child, including conclusions and recommendations and the facts upon which they are based.