Guardian ad litem Division

The Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office provides guardian ad litem services in Hamilton County Juvenile Court on cases where a complaint has been filed alleging a child to be abused, neglected, or dependent.

• a guardian ad litem is charged with the duty of representing the child’s best interest, which may not be the same as what the child wants
• the guardian ad litem serves as an advocate for the child
• a guardian ad litem will conduct an independent, objective investigation of the allegations before the court
• the guardian ad litem will have direct contact with the child
• the investigation will be case specific, but may include:
• interviews of parties and caretakers of the child,
• review of records,
• contact with Hamilton County Job and Family Services,
• contact with service providers for the child and family,
• contact with school personnel, and
• any other action necessary to determine the child’s best interest
• the guardian ad litem will maintain the confidentiality of the child and all parties
• based upon their investigation, the guardian ad litem will make recommendations to the court
• the guardian ad litem will file or cause to be filed any motion or pleading they believe to be in the child’s best interest
• the guardian ad litem continues to serve in this role until the case closes or discharge by the court

The Guardian ad Litem Division employs 16 attorneys and 12 guardian ad litem.  By law, attorneys are appointed on any case where a child is alleged to be abused.  In those cases where neglect and/or dependency are alleged, a non-attorney serves as guardian ad litem.  The gardian ad litem worker on the neglect and dependency cases is assigned a staff attorney to represent them in court.