Child Custody Investigator Program

The program conducts social investigations/home studies on court ordered cases. The cases may involve child custody and/or visitation. The investigators are the eyes and ears for the court. They interview each party in his/her home and observe each party with the child(ren). The investigator may contact friends, relatives, school personnel, doctors, day care workers, and other professionals.

The purpose of the investigation is to make written recommendations based on what is in the best interests of the child. It may also include recommendations about services either party or the entire family might need, such as counseling, parenting classes, substance abuse evaluations, etc.

The investigator's report contains RECOMMENDATIONS. The final decision in the case is made by the judge.

Cases must be court ordered. You or your attorney must file a motion with the court asking for a custody investigation, and request a hearing on the motion.

The fee for the program is also court ordered. The judge determines how much (if any) each party will pay. The investigation will not be initiated until the costs are paid. If you feel that you cannot afford the fee, speak to your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, you must file a motion with the court asking that the fee be waived.

The investigation will not be initiated until each party pays his/her share of the court ordered fee. The Program has no authority to waive the fee.

The investigation will take approximately three months to complete.

Guardian Ad Litem Program.

The Guardian Ad Litem Program (GAL Program) is court appointed to represent the best interests of children that have been abused, neglected or abandoned by a parent or primary caretaker, and involved in the Juvenile Courts. The Program may be court appointed in cases where there are custody issues in the Family Law Courts, or where children have been victims or a witness to a crime involving the Criminal Courts.

Guardian Ad Litems are volunteers who are trained to investigate on behalf of the child. He/she may contact pediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, schools, law enforcement, family and friends throughout the investigation.

The Guardian Ad Litem sees the child on a regular basis and provides emotional support during the judicial process, protecting the child from insensitive questioning. The Guardian Ad Litem assures that the child's wishes are presented to the court

The Guardian Ad Litem monitors the agencies and persons who provide services to the child to assure that the orders of the court are carried out, and the families and children receive the help they should.

The Guardian Ad Litem prepares a written report based on the information acquired during the investigation. The report becomes a permanent part of the child's file. The Guardian Ad Litem presents the information to the court and helps the court determine what is in the child's best interests.