The GAL Program - Advocating for Children

By Rachael Hesling

Introduction

The Public Defender’s Office of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County provides a Metro Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program in the Juvenile Division. The office ensures that children’s needs are met in the legal system.

The attorney appointed to serve as a guardian ad litem is a trained advocate for children. In this role, the attorney acts in the best interests of the child in legal cases. Whether it is a custody or parental case, or is in the realm of neglect or dependency, the child’s appointed guardian ad litem ensures that the child’s needs are considered.

The GAL Program

The program was established in order to protect the rights of children in Nashville and the surrounding areas in Davidson County. When a child needs a guardian ad litem, the court may appoint one to act on behalf of the child. From that point, the guardian ad litem is serving the child and not the court or any other parties involved.

Conclusion

The GAL program conducts a thorough investigation to gain an understanding of the child’s life and circumstances. This involves reviewing all of the case details, interviewing the child’s parents and guardians, as well as reviewing the records of the parents and guardians. With all of the available information, the guardian ad litem considers all of the facts and can make recommendations to the court regarding the child’s well-being.