Connecticut House Bill HB05507

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/15
• Refer: 1/16/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Appointment Of A Guardian Ad Litem In A Family Relations Matter Involving The Care And Custody Of A Minor Child.

Impact

The bill is intended to streamline the process in family relations matters and to focus resources where they are most needed, specifically cases where the child's safety is potentially at risk. By limiting the appointment of guardians ad litem to cases verified by allegations of abuse or neglect, the bill seeks to mitigate the emotional and psychological strain that parental conflicts can impose on children. This could lead to fewer cases where children are subjected to the oversight of a guardian ad litem, thereby allowing families to resolve their issues more privately and without the added pressure of formal custody interventions.

Summary

House Bill 5507 addresses the role of guardian ad litem in family relations cases involving the care and custody of minor children. The legislation proposes to amend chapter 815j of the general statutes to ensure that a guardian ad litem will only be appointed in instances where the Department of Children and Families has established that a party involved in the case has committed acts of abuse or neglect against a minor child. This change is aimed at limiting the circumstances under which these guardians are assigned, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions in family matters not involving serious concern for child welfare.

Contention

While the bill is framed as an effort to reduce unnecessary involvement of guardians in family matters, there may be concerns raised about ensuring child safety and welfare. Critics may argue that such a limitation could overlook instances where a guardian ad litem's role might be beneficial in preventing potential harm to a child even without a formal finding of abuse or neglect. The balance between protecting children from harmful situations and respecting family autonomy will likely be a point of discussion as the bill progresses through legislative scrutiny.