Who can be a guardian ad litem?
A. There are a variety of models in use in Minnesota courts for providing guardian ad litem services. In Second Judicial District/Ramsey County Courts, guardians ad litem are primarily volunteers—adults with a strong concern about the abused and neglected children in our community. In other parts of the country, this model for providing guardian ad litem services through volunteers is called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Prospective volunteers complete a written application. The screening process also includes a personal interview, written references, a background and criminal record check, and pre-service training. Once you become a guardian ad litem, on-going case consultation, support and supervision are provided by the program.
