Indiana Guardian Ad Litem Guidelines for Civil Family Law Cases

Rule 2 - Training

Effective January 1, 2025

Rule 2.1

Unless a person receives an approved waiver from the GAL Family Law Oversight Committee, a person must complete an initial GAL training course that provides a minimum of twelve (12) hours of training related to GAL services. An initial GAL training course must include training on:

1. legal framework of relevant types of child-related cases, including laws, relevant standards, and other legal considerations;

2. best interests assessment and advocacy;

3. GAL investigative skills;

4. interviewing skills, rapport building and communication, methods of questioning, and child-focused interview skills;

5. appropriate GAL protocol;

6. the roles and duties of a GAL in both their best interests advocacy and their roles and duties in court proceedings;

7. diversity, economic diversity, and multicultural awareness;

8. identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect;

9. early childhood, child, and adolescent development;

10. family and child related issues, including family dynamics in the context of legal proceedings, substance abuse and its effects, and domestic violence and its effects;

11. trauma informed care;

12. GAL ethical obligations and the GAL Code of Ethics.

Commentary

A person seeking to become a GAL who has completed training to obtain or maintain their professional licensure or certification, and whose training meets some or all of the requirements outlined in Rule 2.1, may apply to use that training to fulfill these requirements completely or partially. Additionally, a person who has served as a GAL for at least three (3) years or who has served as a GAL on at least ten (10) cases prior to passage of these rules, may seek a waiver of the initial training requirement from the GAL Family Law Oversight Committee, and upon approval, may continue their services as a GAL without meeting the initial training requirements. Any person who has had recent GAL training may seek a waiver from the GAL Family Law Oversight Committee of some or all of the training requirements.

Rule 2.2

All persons who serve as a GAL, whether they are required to complete the initial training requirements or receive a waiver for the initial training requirements, must complete six (6) hours of ongoing training each year beginning the calendar year after they complete, or have waived, their initial training. A GAL who has completed training to obtain or maintain their professional licensure or certification can use that training to fulfill these requirements if their professional training meets the Continuing GAL Training requirements completely or partially.

Commentary

Courses which qualify for Continuing GAL Training must cover topics relevant to GAL services. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • The effects of trauma, trauma-informed care, and adverse childhood experiences;

  • Childhood development;

  • Education and education-related legal matters for children;

  • Updated or advanced legal topics pertaining to children, family law, or other relevant matters;

  • Availability of services for children addressing special needs, child welfare, family preservation, medical, mental health, and educational needs, including placement/evaluation/diagnostic treatment services;

  • Other legal, psychological, or social based topics relating to children and families;

  • Other topics relating to conflict resolution for children and families;

  • Other topics relating to skills and development relevant to GAL practice.

Rule 2.3

A GAL who fails to complete the required amount of Continuing GAL Training is not qualified to be appointed as a GAL until the requirement is satisfied.