http://www.invisiblechildren.org/2009/08/30/setting-the-wrong-kind-of-record/ Kids at Risk Action (KARA) - Children's Rights Advocacy Network Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:55:13 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 http://www.invisiblechildren.org/2009/08/30/setting-the-wrong-kind-of-record/comment-page-1/#comment-8771 Guera! Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:58:00 +0000 http://www.invisiblechildren.org/?p=927#comment-8771 It's been a while since you left this comment but I happen to stumble upon it and just had to respond. CASAs are NOT employees of the court. "Employees" implies they are hired and receive compensation for their work. Guardian Ad Litems are volunteers who use their own resources and time to serve in the best interests of the child to whom they are appointed. I am a GAL and in no way are my recommendations influenced by politics or the judges or the court system. I would like to know the details that support your criticism of GALs in Lucas County. Perhaps I can learn something from the particular cases you refer to. I wonder why you have the perception that you do. GALs suffer no ramifications from the courts if they make recommendations that the social workers, prosecutors, judges, biological families, defense attorneys or even our own supervisors do not agree with. I have absolutely no fear of consequences of any sort when I make my recommendations and I will push until I can't push anymore to make sure the child's best interests are addressed adequately. GALs are in short supply and are a critical, important, voice for children in the foster care system. I don't think your criticism has merit. It’s been a while since you left this comment but I happen to stumble upon it and just had to respond. CASAs are NOT employees of the court. “Employees” implies they are hired and receive compensation for their work. Guardian Ad Litems are volunteers who use their own resources and time to serve in the best interests of the child to whom they are appointed. I am a GAL and in no way are my recommendations influenced by politics or the judges or the court system. I would like to know the details that support your criticism of GALs in Lucas County. Perhaps I can learn something from the particular cases you refer to. I wonder why you have the perception that you do.
GALs suffer no ramifications from the courts if they make recommendations that the social workers, prosecutors, judges, biological families, defense attorneys or even our own supervisors do not agree with. I have absolutely no fear of consequences of any sort when I make my recommendations and I will push until I can’t push anymore to make sure the child’s best interests are addressed adequately.
GALs are in short supply and are a critical, important, voice for children in the foster care system. I don’t think your criticism has merit.

]]> http://www.invisiblechildren.org/2009/08/30/setting-the-wrong-kind-of-record/comment-page-1/#comment-4380 phyllis vaughn Sat, 02 Jan 2010 01:42:12 +0000 http://www.invisiblechildren.org/?p=927#comment-4380 Guardian Ad Litems have let down children particularly in Lucas County, Ohio. GAL's are employees of the court and will reflect the wishes of the court, rather than the best interst of the child. I wonder have many children have supposedly had representation, but as it turned out, where at the political mercy of the courts. I suppose children can not speak for themselves and the courts get to throw their politcal weight around in order to look good to their constituients. Investigations should take place to keep the judges in Lucas County,Ohio from using the law to serve their own bias and prejudices, rather than enforcing the statutes as written. Information can be provided that will prove that judges in Ohio must not know what the term "prior" means in regard to an adoption. It appears judges are championing biologival father's rights instead of upholding the Ohio Revised Statutes. Guardian Ad Litems have let down children particularly in Lucas County, Ohio. GAL’s are employees of the court and will reflect the wishes of the court, rather than the best interst of the child. I wonder have many children have supposedly had representation, but as it turned out, where at the political mercy of the courts. I suppose children can not speak for themselves and the courts get to throw their politcal weight around in order to look good to their constituients. Investigations should take place to keep the judges in Lucas County,Ohio from using the law to serve their own bias and prejudices, rather than enforcing the statutes as written. Information can be provided that will prove that judges in Ohio must not know what the term “prior” means in regard to an adoption. It appears judges are championing biologival father’s rights instead of upholding the Ohio Revised Statutes.

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