A GAL's Screening of Potential Foster Parents

In order to become a foster child's guardian, one must first go through a screening process. Unsurprisingly, this process involves plenty of legal forms that need completing. The first step requires applicants to fill out the "Minor Guardianship Questionnaire"; it's a pretty standard set of forms, mainly detailing the applicant's background information. Assuming the proposed guardian meets the criteria for becoming a foster parent, the child's Guardian Ad Litem will contact them.

Obviously, these forms are only the beginning, as a more thorough background check must occur (typically involving a face-to-face interview). GALs must have stringent standards for this process, as the child's well-being is at stake. As stated previously in this blog, the GAL is there to represent the best interests of the child with whom they are charged. If the GAL feels the child will be placed in a potentially harmful situation (either physically or emotionally), the applicant will be denied.

In total, there were five pages to this form; unfortunately, due to a computer error I was only able to scan in four of the five. Still, the pages that have been included should give readers a feel for the level of stringency that GALs have when selecting a foster child's future guardian. Page five in particular poses some especially interesting (and potentially opinionated) questions. Just double click any of the pages below for more detail.




Project Update:

I've been thinking about adding some youtube videos of legal issues within the foster care system. Any videos I can find on GALs will be added too. Sadly, my idea of uploading photos of the courthouse will not be happening, as my digital camera recently died. It's a shame, but I suppose you can't have everything. Lastly, I should be posting my artist's statement within the next few days.

Citation:

The "Minor Guardianship Questionnaire" form featured in this post has been provided with the express permission of Mrs. Anita Cruise, a legal representative of "Kids Matter Inc.".