What are the responsibilities and job description for the Guardian Ad Litem position at Racine, County of (WI)?
The Racine County Circuit Court judges will appoint six (6) attorneys to act as Guardians Ad Litem. The guardian ad litem (GAL) is to function independently in the same manner as an attorney for a party to the action, be a spokesperson for those whose voices would otherwise go unheard, and provide the court with an objective recommendation in advocating for the best interests of a child or ward that takes into account factors such as age, sense of time, level of maturity, culture and ethnicity, degree of attachment to family members and attachment to family members.
Criteria for appointment will be based upon the attorneys' experience and knowledge of family, paternity, juvenile, mental commitment, protective placement and probate law, a proven record of high quality work and reliability.
- Attorneys will be selected for assignment. All guardians ad litem serve at the pleasure of the Racine County Circuit Court judges and the appointment can be terminated at any time, for any reason, by decision of the Racine County Circuit Court judges.
- The appointment is a one (1) year appointment. The guardians ad litem appointed are independent contractors and will not be considered for Racine County employees for any purpose and will not receive any Racine County employee benefits. Training, travel expenses for training and legal materials are not provided or reimbursed by Racine County.
- Attorneys acting as guardians ad litem would not be prohibited from practicing law in any of the courts in which they may serve as guardian ad litem.
- Juvenile, family, child support and probate court will each maintain a list of the six (6) attorneys and will assign on a rotation basis. Exceptions can be made on the rotation because of conflict of interest or one of the six guardians ad litem already having worked on a particular case. Any attorney who is "skipped" will be assigned the next case.
- Guardians Ad Litem must document the hours spent on each case on which they are appointed and cooperate in any collection efforts to from the responsible parties. Upon completion of the case, the Guardian Ad Litem will submit an itemized statement of services rendered. Itemized statements must be submitted within forty-five (45) days of completion of the case. Completion of a case shall be defined as 1) final order of the court, or 2) dismissal of the case.
- In family matters, where the parties are to reimburse the county, the Guardians Ad Litem are to prepare the money judgment and to advise the parties that the judgment will be docketed unless the reimbursement is paid within 30 days.
- All appointed Guardians Ad Litem must be licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin.
- All Guardians Ad Litem must have an office located within 40 miles of the Racine County Courthouse.
- Applicants must satisfy the continuing legal education requirements set forth in Supreme Court Rule Chapters 35/36 to be eligible.
- Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish are encouraged to apply.
- Ability to appear at court proceedings with judges or court commissioners.
- Ability to make a recommendation (e.g., placement, conditions, services, family interaction, and treatment) and explain basis for recommendation.
- Ability to consult with parents, caregiver, foster parent, social worker, school personnel, and medical or mental health professionals.
- Ability to review relevant documents or exhibits.
- Ability to meet personally with the child/ward and interview the child/ward, if they are able to communicate. When and where did you meet with the child?
- Ability to conduct a home visit.
- Ability to evaluate if the child/ward's environment safe and appropriate.
- Ability to evaluate if child is subject to the Indian Child Welfare Act and consult the child's tribe regarding placement options and tribal services, if necessary.
COMPENSATION:
Each Guardian Ad Litem will receive $66,000 paid in monthly increments of $5,500.
The Guardian Ad Litem appointed under this judicial order will be considered an independent contractor and will not be considered a Racine County employee for any purpose and will not receive any Racine County employee benefits. The appointed Guardian Ad Litem under this Order will be required to provide his/her own supplies, office and support services and will not receive those from the Racine County Clerk of Courts or from Racine County. Monthly reports must be filed with the Clerk of Court utilizing the standard format supplied by the Clerk of Court. Training, travel and expenses for training and legal materials are not provided or reimbursed by Racine County.
If you are interested in being appointed as a guardian ad litem, please submit your application, setting forth your experience in the courts in acting in such a capacity, identifying the education attended under Supreme Court Rule Chs. 35/36 to be eligible for appointment, and explaining your availability to appear at court proceedings, including with judges or commissioners.