41-3-303. Guardian ad litem. (1) In every judicial proceeding, the court shall appoint for any child alleged to be abused or neglected a guardian ad litem. The department or any of its staff may not be appointed as the guardian ad litem in a judicial proceeding under this title. When necessary the guardian ad litem may serve at public expense.
     (2) The guardian ad litem is charged with the representation of the child's interests. The guardian ad litem has the following general duties:
     (a) to conduct investigations that the guardian ad litem considers necessary to ascertain the facts constituting the alleged abuse or neglect;
     (b) to interview or observe the child who is the subject of the proceeding;
     (c) to have access to court, medical, psychological, law enforcement, social services, and school records pertaining to the child and the child's siblings and parents or custodians;
     (d) to make written reports to the court concerning the child's welfare;
     (e) to appear and participate in all proceedings to the degree necessary to adequately represent the child and make recommendations to the court concerning the child's welfare; and
     (f) to perform other duties as directed by the court.

     History: En. Sec. 14, Ch. 543, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 384, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 434, L. 1993.