A Review of Guardian ad Litem Activity at the Norfolk Division of the Juvenile Court Department

This is a state performance audit of guardian ad litem work and expenses at the Norfolk Division of the Juvenile Court Department.

“I am pleased to provide this performance audit of activities and expenses related to guardians ad litem in the Norfolk Division of the Juvenile Court Department.”

Auditors wanted to see whether the court had proper systems for choosing guardians ad litem, checking their work, and reviewing their bills.

“The audit was undertaken to review whether NJC had procedures and controls in place regarding the selection, monitoring, and billings of GALs.”

Guardians ad litem may be appointed in sensitive child-related court cases to help protect a minor’s interests when parents cannot or will not do so.

“In some of these cases, the court approves a motion to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to protect the interests of a minor.”

For an ordinary resident, the key takeaway is that taxpayer-funded payments to these court-appointed guardians were reviewed, and the auditor found adequate controls over the process.

“NJC paid a total of $45,171 to 22 guardians ad litem (GALs).”

The audit did not report findings against the Norfolk Juvenile Court; it answered yes to all three audit questions about controls over guardian ad litem appointments, billing, reports, and poor performance.

“Does the court have a process for dealing with GALs whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory?”

After the audit period, the juvenile court system put a uniform statewide process in place for guardian ad litem appointments, including applications, qualifications, training, and handling poor performance.

“This document, effective July 6, 2015, sets forth the categories, descriptions, qualifications, and application process for the appointment of GALs in the Juvenile Court Department.”

The report matters because it examined a court function involving children, public money, and court-appointed professionals, and concluded the local court’s controls were adequate for the period reviewed.

“During the audit period, NJC heard 1,419 cases, which were classified as “delinquency,” “care and protection,” or “child requiring assistance.””

A guardian ad litem is someone appointed by the court for a specific role related to a child’s interests, such as medical treatment, education decisions, legal rights, or evaluation.

“The following information on types, descriptions, and qualifications of GALs includes excerpts from the Uniform Practice, which can be found on the Trial Court’s website.”