Seen and heard but how well informed? Children's perceptions of the guardian ad litem service

This paper is an account of a study which explored children's perceptions of the guardian and litem service and their experiences of public law proceedings, and a number of strong themes emerged.

Abstract

This paper is an account of a study which explored children's perceptions of the guardian and litem service and their experiences of public law proceedings. Whilst generally children felt positive about the service they received, in areas such as their attendance at court, who had access to the information they gave to their guardians, the arrangements made in regard to expert witnesses and the ability of guardians and the courts to influence care plans, a number of strong themes emerged. These are described and the implications of these findings for guardians and other professionals who practice in the field of family law are considered. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.