April 17, 2009
Guardian Ad Litem Courses Open for Registration
Ohio attorneys have seven more opportunities this year to satisfy new requirements for guardians ad litem that took effect March 1, according to the Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College.
As the first state rule to set standards regarding the appointment, responsibilities, training and reporting requirements of guardians ad litem, Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio applies in all domestic relations and juvenile cases in common pleas courts where the court appoints a guardian ad litem. Among other requirements, the new rule mandates six hours of pre-service coursework for all guardians ad litem in Ohio.
High demand for these courses spurred the Judicial College to engineer a new and simpler registration process, according to W. Milt Nuzum III, Judicial College Director. He said registration takes two easy steps: fill out the registration form online, and click submit. The registration form will be submitted to the Judicial College registrar immediately.
Nuzum also asked that attorneys refrain from registering for a free CLE if they are not interested in serving as a guardian ad litem. By registering for a course, the Judicial College is authorized to provide the attorney’s contact information to the local court noting the attorney’s willingness to serve as a guardian ad litem.
In addition, Nuzum said if attorneys have already completed a six-hour course provided by the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers since March 2006 or if they have completed the 30-40 hour CASA pre-service course for CASA volunteers, there’s no need to attend the Judicial College course. These courses also meet the requirements of Sup. R. 48.
In order to be in compliance with this new rule, attendees must complete the entire educational program from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm. Attendees who do not participate in the full six hours of instruction will not be in compliance with the rule. Registration will not be available at the training sites, so all attendees must pre-register.
To learn more about the guardian ad litem program and to register for one of the seven remaining courses in 2009, please visit this link: http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/GAL/preService.asp.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.