Presenter:
Carrie Mason, Ph.D., Esq.
This session will provide an overview of Guardian ad Litem representation in Tennessee dependency and neglect cases, grounded in T.C.A. § 37-1-149 and Supreme Court Rule 40. Participants will review the statutory and procedural framework from removal through permanency and termination of parental rights, with emphasis on the GAL’s duties to conduct independent investigations, communicate effectively with child clients across developmental stages, assess competency and child participation, and advocate in litigation. The training will also address best-interest analysis, navigating conflicts between a child’s wishes and best interests, trauma-informed preparation for testimony, and the GAL’s role in permanency planning and appellate proceedings.
This training satisfies the essential Guardian ad Litem (GAL) training requirement pursuant to T.C.A. § 37-1-149(a)(2). It addresses the core duties and role of a Guardian ad Litem. Guardians ad Litem are strongly encouraged to pursue additional training, mentorship, and practical support as they continue developing their practice within the child welfare system. If you are within your first three years of practicing in child welfare and are seeking more intensive training and structured support, please contact Carrie Mason at carrie.mason@tncourts.gov to learn more about the Representation Improvement Project Promoting Legal Excellence (RIPPLE) Program.
CLE: This course has been approved for 2.75 general hours.
- The approved CLE for this training includes additional time to complete the Pre-Training Quiz and Survey, and Post-Training Quiz, CLE Request and Training Evaluation. Kindly take your time to offer thoughtful responses to the questions.
- Partial credit is not given for distance learning courses.
- You may only receive CLE credit for the completion of on-demand distance learning courses one time, regardless of which calendar year the course was completed.
- On-Demand Training sessions must have interactive components accredited for actual time spent to obtain CLE Credit Hours. Therefor you must complete the training questions. Your responses to the quiz questions are reviewed for data purposes only.
To continue, please complete the Pre-Training Quiz and click "Continue to Training" at the bottom of the page. You will be directed to the video presentation and training materials. Should you have any issues accessing the training material page, please email cipadminassistant@tncourts.gov.
Acknowledgment
CLE credit for On Demand Distance Learning courses is based on both content and time spent viewing the course. In order to receive CLE credit for the course, I understand I must complete and submit the Pre-Training Quiz and Survey, view the course in its entirety, and complete the Post-Training Quiz and Evaluation. Partial CLE credit will not be submitted. Please initial below to acknowledge the viewing requirement.
