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. The work of the guardian ad litem is governed by Rules 48 – 48.07 of the Rules of Superintendence of the Courts of Ohio.  

Some of the duties of a guardian ad litem are listed below:

  • The guardian ad litem represents 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.
  • The guardian ad litem conducts an independent and objective investigation into the allegations before the court.
  • The guardian ad litem has direct contact with the child.
  • The guardian’s ad litem investigation will be case specific, but may include:
    • interviews of parties and caretakers of the child,
    • a 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 maintains the confidentiality of the child and all parties.
  • The guardian ad litem will make recommendations to the court based upon their investigation.
  • 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 is discharged by the court.

The Guardian ad Litem Division employs 28 guardians ad litem (16 of whom are attorneys), 4 support staff, and an investigator. When an attorney is appointed as the guardian ad litem, the attorney represents themselves and can file any motion in the best interest of the child. Attorneys do not serve in the dual role of guardian ad litem and counsel for the child. When the guardian ad litem is not an attorney, they are represented by a staff attorney who can file any motion the guardian ad litem believes to be in the child’s best interest.  Guardian ad litem staff act in the best interest of the youth they serve.