ONCAC

Purpose

The purpose of the GAL training is to provide basic information identified as necessary to properly perform the duties of a GAL practicing in Ohio.  The information provided covers the minimum knowledge and skills to practice as a GAL in Ohio.

Intended Audience

All GALs, regardless of whether they are practicing in the Juvenile, Domestic Relations, or Probate Courts will be required to attend this six hour training.  For the most part, participants will be paid, private, attorney GALs who are currently on a local court GAL appointment list.  However there will be GAL participants from other professions such as Social Work, and other laypersons.

Mandatory Training?

It is anticipated that the requirement to take this training will become a rule within a year.  The completion of the training session now will satisfy the requirement once it becomes a rule.  ONCAC expects registrations to increase highly after the rule is enacted, making it potentially difficult to attend a class in your area.  We would suggest that it is beneficial to GALs to anticipate the ruling and sign up for a session as soon as possible.

Continuing Education

In addition, it is expected that the Court will also require GALs to complete a three (3) hour continuing education course with ONCAC each year after the initial six (6) hour training.  More information regarding these sessions will be introduced on this website and in emails to graduates in 2006.

What is a GAL?

Guardians Ad Litem are appointed to children in the court system for a variety of reasons, such as: they are alleged or determined to be abuse, neglected, or dependent in need of protection through the court system; to determine their custody and visitation arrangements; for minors who wish to have an abortion without the permission of their parents; for minors that are involved in a financial or property matter before the probate court.  The major duty of the GAL is to research the circumstances surrounding the child (or children) and to make recommendations to the court regarding the child's best interest.

Program History

In June of 2001, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer appointed a 13-member Task Force to make recommendations for statewide Standards for Guardians ad Litem (GALs) practicing in Juvenile, Domestic Relations, and Probate Courts in Ohio.  The Task Force, chaired by Guernsey County Common Pleas Judge David Ellwood, recommended that all GALs have a minimum of six hours of pre-service training.

The full Task Force report (containing 26 recommendations) is available for download by clicking here.  Key recommendations include: requiring GALs to meet established education and experience requirements; criminal background checks for GALs; and establishing expected responsbilities such as interviewing the child face-to-face, observing the child with each parent or guardian, reviewing relevant court documents and contacting appropriate school, medica, and mental health personnel.

The Task Force recommendation were assigned in November of 2002 to a Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Children, Families and the Courts.  The 20-member committee has been charged with recommending the best manner for implementing recommendations of Task Forces and Committees, incuding the GAL Standards Task Force.  One Sub-Committee for Children, Families and the Courts is the GAL Standards Committee, which appointed a Sub-Committee to address pre-service training for GALs.  The GAL Training Sub-Committee, chaired by Judge Swift, developed the training content outline and provided input and direction throughout the curriculum development process.

Since both the Task Force and the Committee on Children, Families and the Court were established, Federal Law (CAPTA, Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act) has been revised.  In order to receive federal funds through CAPTA, each state must now require pre-service training for all GALs appointed to abused and neglected children.

The Ohio CASA/GAL Association (www.ohiocasa.org) was selected to develop the six hour training curriculum.  During the curriculum development process, the Association worked with an Advisory Group who provided input throughout the process.

The Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers was then selected to deliver the training sessions throughout Ohio.  A committee was formed by ONCAC to help with the planning and implementation of the training program, as well as Faculty approval.  A Training Faculty was carefully selected and assembled for a "Training of Trainers".