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ACF Oversight of Guardian Ad Litem Requirements and Reporting

As a condition of receiving Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) State grant funding, States must ensure that every child involved in an abuse or neglect judicial proceeding is appointed a trained guardian ad litem (GAL) to obtain a first-hand understanding of the child's situation and needs. States self-certify, through signed assurances to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), that they have adhered to this requirement. This review will determine the extent to which ACF oversees States' compliance with CAPTA's GAL requirement. We will also identify challenges States face that prevent complete and accurate reporting to ACF regarding court representation of child victims.

Announced or Revised Agency Title Component Report Number(s) Expected Issue Date (FY)
October 2020 Administration for Children and Families ACF Oversight of Guardian Ad Litem Requirements and Reporting Office of Evaluation and Inspections OEI-12-16-00120 2022