AOC offering training for potential guardians ad litem, parent attorneys in November

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Kentucky attorneys interested in serving as guardians ad litem and parent attorneys are invited to a legal training hosted by the Administrative Office of the Courts in November.

Registration is required.

Guardians Ad Litem (GALS) are court-appointed attorneys who represent children in dependency, neglect and abuse court cases. Separate attorneys are appointed to represent parents in DNA proceedings. The training is to help attorneys better understand the impact of the court system and of GALS and parent attorneys on the people they represent.

GALS and parent attorneys are required to complete the AOC legal training under the Supreme Court of Kentucky’s Family Court Rules of Procedure and Practice, a comprehensive set of statewide rules and standards governing court-appointed attorneys in child welfare cases.

The AOC’s Legal Training for Dependency, Neglect and Abuse Cases program offers training seminars, educational materials and other resources to produce highly qualified guardians ad litem. The curriculum focuses on Kentucky statutory, case law and the federal requirements outlined in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Adoption and Safe Families Act.

GALS play an important role in ensuring that children receive fair and expeditious attention from the judicial system and are placed in appropriate homes.

Training Dates

Nov. 8

Hopkins County Justice Center

120 E. Center St. Madisonville, KY 42431

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CST

Nov. 18

Administrative Office of the Courts

1001 Vandalay Drive Frankfort, KY 40601

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST

Nov. 20

Boyd Convention and Arts Center

15605 KY Route 180 Catlettsburg, KY 41129

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST