GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

S	1 

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 24*

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Sponsors: Senators Ballance; Albertson, Cochrane, Dannelly, and Warren.

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Referred to:  Rules.

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February 3, 1997

A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO CONTINUE ITS STUDY OF THE GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM.
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may continue its study of the Guardian Ad Litem Program administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts.  The study shall include the following:
(1)	Whether the attorney representing the county department of social services may have a conflict of interest in representing both the department and the abused and neglected child;
(2)	Ways to improve case management in the court process so as to reduce attorney time spent on the case and time spent by volunteers and others waiting for the case to be heard;
(3)	Evaluation of the efficiency, sufficiency, and effectiveness of the legal representation and advocacy provided to children served by the guardian ad litem program;
(4)	Whether the attorney appointed to represent parents may be relieved of the duty to represent when parents have dropped out of the case or failed to appear at a hearing due to lack of interest;
(5)	Continued review of the program to determine if additional cuts in State funds should be made;
(6)	Review the impact of additional government or private funds received by the program; and
(7)	Whether the name of the program should be changed to avoid confusion with guardians ad litem appointed in proceedings other than abuse and neglect cases.
Section 2. The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report to the 1997 General Assembly, 1998 Regular Session, and shall make a final report to the 1999 General Assembly.
Section 3. This resolution is effective upon ratification.