Georgia Investigation exposes little oversight of child advocates

Georgia has problems with Guardians ad litem much like other states like Maine and Connecticut. In this article we have from official sources statements that state the obvious regarding the role that Guardians ad litem have.

CBS Atlanta

ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -

A CBS Atlanta News investigation uncovered questionable oversight of court-appointed advocates sworn to protect children.

In Georgia, guardians ad litem are attorneys appointed by judges to determine the best interest of children during contested custody cases, but some parents, attorneys and child development experts question the guardians' expertise and objectivity.

"The mental anguish for my children and me has been huge," said Gracie Ortiz Terrett.

She had asked for a guardian ad litem after a judge limited her custody of her 8- and 10-year-old children to one day a week and every other weekend.  But Terret said guardians ad litem Raina Nadler and Jeanney Kutner were far from objective.

Full story: CBSAtlanta

In Georgia Investigation shows no Oversight of Guardians ad litem

An investigation into Guardians ad litem shows many of the same issues that have been seen across the country. No oversight, accountability or management of these court officers that can have such a huge impact on a child's life. When you get a Guardian ad litem that does not fulfill their role there is very little that one can do to remove them from the case. You - as a parent - are working within a dysfunctional system.

While this article and video is focused on Georgia the points that are brought up by the reporter can be applied in every state. "The mental anguish for my children and me has been huge," said Gracie Ortiz Terrett a parent that was interviewed for the piece. Gracie says what many have felt by the uncaring process and hurt that children and parents experience and can relate to.

The video can be found at CBS Atlanta News. Please feel free to comment or write us at NationalGALalert@gmail.com.