Opinion ID: 2284287
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: GAL's and Juvenile Officer's Failure to Investigate and Discharge Duties

Text: Mother also claims she was denied due process by the GAL's and the juvenile officer's failure to investigate her and to act independently of the Adoptive Parents. Like her claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, this claim is mooted by the reversal of the judgment against her on other grounds. Because the GAL and juvenile officer will be required to participate in the proceedings on remand, their roles merit discussion. Section 211.462.3 states that a guardian ad litem shall, during all stages of the proceedings: (1) Be the legal representative of the child ... (2) Be an advocate for the child ... (3) Protect the rights of a minor or incompetent parent. Because Mother is not a minor nor was she adjudicated as incompetent, she did not require the appointment of GAL under section 211.462.2. Mr. Garrity was appointed to represent Child. A GAL is not appointed to advocate for the natural parent; therefore, Mother cannot be denied due process on the ground that her Child's attorney failed to represent her interests. Nevertheless, it is in the best interests of the child for a GAL to discharge his or her duties diligently and to be an advocate during the TPR and adoption proceedings. In re J.L.H., 647 S.W.2d 852, 861 (Mo.App. 1983) (The role of guardian ad litem involves more than perfunctory and shadowy duties.... The guardian ad litem is supposed to collect testimony, summon witnesses and jealously guard the rights of infants, which is the standard duty in this state.) In addition, if Adoptive Parents continue to rely on chapter 211 as is pleaded in their petition, section 211.447.2(2)(b) requires the juvenile officer to be joined as a party to any proceeding when the petition to terminate parental rights is filed by someone other than the juvenile officer. [23] The juvenile officer was represented by Ms. Elliston, who was present at the trial. Although present, Ms. Elliston did not actively participate in the proceedings. On remand, the juvenile officer is required by section 211.447.2(2)(b) to seek joinder as a party so long as chapter 211 is pleaded in the petition. Just as it is in the child's best interest for the GAL to discharge his or her duties diligently, it also is in the child's best interest for the juvenile officer to participate actively in chapter 211 proceedings.