How does a GALs role differ from a social workers in a Child in Need of Aid (CINA) case?
A GAL is appointed to conduct an independent investigation and advocate for the best interests of children in a CINA case. A social worker’s role is to make sure children are safe in their homes and to provide services to the parents to help them reunify with their children if that will be a safe and healthy outcome for the children. At times a social worker and GAL may differ about what placement or services are best for a child. In addition, a social worker may be proceeding with a plan in accordance with Office of Children’s Services policies, but the GAL may conclude that plan is not in the child’s best interests. Finally, a GAL is not a direct service provider but an advocate whose job is to insure that services that children and families need are provided by OCS during the course of the children’s case.
