How is the Guardian ad Litem different from a social worker?
A. The social worker represents the Ramsey County Community Human Services Department, which has legal custody of the child or children involved. RCCHSD is concerned with ensuring the safety of the child(ren), and is charged with finding a permanent caregiver for the child, whether it is the parent(s), other relatives, foster care, adoption, or some other safe placement. Guardians ad Litem focus entirely on the child, advocating for special services, investigating community resources, and being the child’s voice in court.
