IC 31-9-2.1-117 — "Guardian ad litem"
Chapter 2.1. Definitions
Bills citing this section
Section text
Sec. 117. (a) "Guardian ad litem", for purposes of IC 31-15-6, IC 31-19-16, IC 31-19-16.5, IC 31-28-5, IC 31-32-3-10.5, and the juvenile law, means an attorney, a volunteer, or an employee of a county program designated under IC 33-24-6-4 who is appointed by a court to: (1) represent and protect the best interests of a child; and (2) provide the child with services requested by the court, including: (A) researching; (B) examining; (C) advocating; (D) facilitating; and (E) monitoring; the child's situation. A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 67 of this chapter. (b) "Guardian ad litem", for purposes of IC 31-32-3-10.5, IC 31-33, IC 31-34, IC 31-35, and IC 31-37, means an attorney, a volunteer, or an employee of a county program designated under IC 33-24-6-4 who: (1) is appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child; (2) is appointed by a court to provide the child with services requested by the court, including: (A) researching; (B) examining; (C) advocating; (D) facilitating; and (E) monitoring; the child's situation; and (3) has completed training appropriate for the person's role, including training in: (A) the identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect; and (B) early childhood, child, and adolescent development; as required by 42 U.S.C. 5106a(b)(2)(B)(xiii). A guardian ad litem who is not an attorney must complete the same court approved training program that is required for a court appointed special advocate under section 67 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.145-2026, SEC.161.
Source: official publisher (2026 edition)