Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Rule 1154 - Duties of Guardian Ad LitemA guardian ad litem shall:
1) Meet with the child as soon as possible following assignment pursuant to Rule 1151 and on a regular basis thereafter in a manner appropriate to the child's age and maturity;2) On a timely basis, be given access to relevant court and county agency records, reports of examination of the guardians or the child, and medical, psychological, and school records;3) Participate in all proceedings, including hearings before juvenile court hearing officers, and administrative hearings and reviews to the degree necessary to adequately represent the child;4) Conduct such further investigation necessary to ascertain the facts;5) Interview potential witnesses, including the child's guardians, caretakers, and foster parents, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and present witnesses and evidence necessary to protect the best interests of the child;6) At the earliest possible date, be advised by the county agency having legal custody of the child of: a) any plan to relocate the child or modify custody or visitation arrangements, including the reasons, prior to the relocation or change in custody or visitation; andb) any proceeding, investigation, or hearing under the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa.C.S. § 6301et seq. or the Juvenile Act, 42 Pa.C.S. § 6301et seq., directly affecting the child;7) Make any specific recommendations to the court relating to the appropriateness and safety of the child's placement and services necessary to address the child's needs and safety, including the child's educational, health care, and disability needs;8) Explain the proceedings to the child to the extent appropriate given the child's age, mental condition, and emotional condition; and9) Advise the court of the child's wishes to the extent that they can be ascertained and present to the court whatever evidence exists to support the child's wishes. When appropriate because of the age or mental and emotional condition of the child, determine to the fullest extent possible the wishes of the child and communicate this information to the court.The provisions of this Rule 1154 amended April 29, 2011, effective 7/1/2011, 41 Pa.B. 2413; amended April 6, 2017, effective 9/1/2017, 47 Pa.B. 2313.