48.235(4)(a)(a) In any matter involving a child found to be in need of protection or services, the guardian ad litem may, if reappointed or if the appointment is continued under
sub. (7), do any of the following:
48.235(4)(a)3.
3. Petition for termination of parental rights or any other matter specified under
s. 48.14.
48.235(4)(a)7.
7. Petition for relief from a judgment terminating parental rights under
s. 48.46.
48.235(4)(a)7m.
7m. Bring an action or motion for the determination of the child's paternity under
s. 767.45.
48.235(4)(a)8.
8. Perform any other duties consistent with this chapter.
48.235(4)(b)
(b) The court shall order the agency identified under
s. 48.355 (2) (b) 1. as primarily responsible for the provision of services to notify the guardian ad litem, if any, regarding actions to be taken under
par. (a).
48.235(4m)
(4m) Matters involving unborn child in need of protection or services. 48.235(4m)(a)(a) In any matter involving an unborn child found to be in need of protection or services, the guardian ad litem may, if reappointed or if the appointment is continued under
sub. (7), do any of the following:
48.235(4m)(a)3.
3. Petition for termination of parental rights or any other matter specified under
s. 48.14 after the child is born.
48.235(4m)(a)7.
7. Petition for relief from a judgment terminating parental rights under
s. 48.46 after the child is born.
48.235(4m)(a)7m.
7m. Bring an action or motion for the determination of the child's paternity under
s. 767.45 after the child is born.
48.235(4m)(b)
(b) The court shall order the agency identified under
s. 48.355 (2) (b) 1. as primarily responsible for the provision of services to notify the guardian ad litem, if any, regarding actions to be taken under
par. (a).
48.235(5)
(5) Matters involving minor parent. The guardian ad litem for a minor parent whose parental rights are the subject of a voluntary termination proceeding shall interview the minor parent, investigate the reason for the termination of parental rights, assess the voluntariness of the consent and inform the minor parent of his or her rights and of the alternatives to, and the effect of, termination of parental rights.
48.235(6)
(6) Communication to a jury. In jury trials under this chapter, the guardian ad litem or the court may tell the jury that the guardian ad litem represents the interests of the person or unborn child for whom the guardian ad litem was appointed.
48.235(7)
(7) Termination and extension of appointment. The appointment of a guardian ad litem under
sub. (1) terminates upon the entry of the court's final order or upon the termination of any appeal in which the guardian ad litem participates. The guardian ad litem may appeal, may participate in an appeal or may do neither. If an appeal is taken by any party and the guardian ad litem chooses not to participate in that appeal, he or she shall file with the appellate court a statement of reasons for not participating. Irrespective of the guardian ad litem's decision not to participate in an appeal, the appellate court may order the guardian ad litem to participate in the appeal. At any time, the guardian ad litem, any party or the person for whom the appointment is made may request in writing or on the record that the court extend or terminate the appointment or reappointment. The court may extend that appointment, or reappoint a guardian ad litem appointed under this section, after the entry of the final order or after the termination of the appeal, but the court shall specifically state the scope of the responsibilities of the guardian ad litem during the period of that extension or reappointment.
48.235(8)(a)(a) A guardian ad litem appointed under this chapter shall be compensated at a rate that the court determines is reasonable, except that, if the court orders a county to pay the compensation of the guardian ad litem under
par. (b) or
(c) 2., the amount ordered may not exceed the compensation payable to a private attorney under
s. 977.08 (4m) (b).
48.235(8)(b)
(b) Subject to
par. (c), the court may order either or both of the parents of a child for whom a guardian ad litem is appointed under this chapter to pay all or any part of the compensation of the guardian ad litem. In addition, upon motion by the guardian ad litem, the court may order either or both of the parents of the child to pay the fee for an expert witness used by the guardian ad litem, if the guardian ad litem shows that the use of the expert is necessary to assist the guardian ad litem in performing his or her functions or duties under this chapter. If one or both parents are indigent or if the court determines that it would be unfair to a parent to require him or her to pay, the court may order the county of venue to pay the compensation and fees, in whole or in part. If the court orders the county of venue to pay because a parent is indigent, the court may also order either or both of the parents to reimburse the county, in whole or in part, for the payment.
48.235(8)(c)1.1. In an uncontested termination of parental rights and adoption proceeding under
s. 48.833, the court shall order the agency that placed the child for adoption to pay the compensation of the child's guardian ad litem.
48.235(8)(c)2.
2. In an uncontested termination of parental rights and adoption proceeding under
s. 48.835 or
48.837, the court shall order the proposed adoptive parents to pay the compensation of the child's guardian ad litem. If the proposed adoptive parents are indigent, the court may order the county of venue to pay the compensation, in whole or in part, and may order the proposed adoptive parents to reimburse the county, in whole or in part, for the payment.
48.235(8)(d)
(d) At any time before the final order in a proceeding in which a guardian ad litem is appointed for a child under this chapter, the court may order a parent, agency or proposed adoptive parent to place payments in an escrow account in an amount estimated to be sufficient to pay any compensation and fees payable under
par. (b) or
(c).
48.235(8)(e)
(e) If the court orders a parent or proposed adoptive parent to reimburse a county under
par. (b) or
(c) 2., the court may order a separate judgment for the amount of the reimbursement in favor of the county and against the parent or proposed adoptive parent who is responsible for the reimbursement.
48.235(8)(f)
(f) The court may enforce its orders under this subsection by means of its contempt powers.
48.235 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 151 W (2d) xxv (1989);
1991 a. 189,
263;
1993 a. 16,
318,
395;
1995 a. 27,
275;
1997 a. 237,
292,
334.
48.235 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1990: This section is designed to clarify when a guardian ad litem may or shall be appointed under this chapter; to define the duties of the guardian ad litem; and to require the adoptive parents to pay guardian ad litem fees in independent adoptions and the agency to do so in adoptions pursuant to s. 48.837.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (1) indicates when a guardian ad litem is to be appointed, leaving broad discretion to the court for such appointments.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (1) (b) and (c) set forth situations in which a guardian ad litem is required. While there are situations in which adversary counsel are an alternative to a guardian ad litem or more desirable and therefore required under s. 48.23, the committee concluded that the best interests of the child must be reflected by a guardian ad litem in the situations enumerated in these paragraphs.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (2) continues the qualifications currently in s. 48.235.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (3) addresses the responsibilities of the guardian ad litem. The guardian ad litem is to be an advocate for the best interests of the person for whom the appointment is made. The definition specifically rejects the view that the guardian ad litem should represent the wishes of the subject when they are different from interests. The guardian ad litem is required to inform the court when the wishes of the person differ from what the guardian ad litem believes to be his or her best interests. The definition also stresses the fact that the guardian ad litem should be independent and function in the same manner as the lawyer for a party. This includes the responsibility to serve appropriate documents, to advocate in accordance with the rules of evidence, to avoid ex parte communication, and the like.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (4) is designed to suggest the possible duties of a guardian ad litem after a CHIPS order. Continuation of the guardian ad litem is discretionary with the court in such situations, as provided in sub. (7). Sub. (4) specifically permits the continued involvement of the guardian ad litem in permanency planning and in the monitoring of the placement. It also makes it clear that, if it is in the best interests of the child, the guardian ad litem may seek the termination of the parental rights of the parents of the child and prosecute such an action. It is not intended to limit the responsibilities to those noted. The court may require the department to give appropriate notice to the guardian ad litem so the duties can be fulfilled.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (5) clarifies the responsibilities of the guardian ad litem for minor parents in termination cases, in the way of investigation and communication.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (6) permits the guardian ad litem or court to explain to the jury that he or she represents the interests of the person. This is to avoid unnecessary confusion.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (7) provides for the termination of appointment of the guardian ad litem upon entry of the court's final order unless the court extends or reappoints, indicating the scope of continuing responsibility. There are a large number of things a guardian ad litem might do during the period of extension or reappointment, including participate in permanency planning, seek extension or revision of dispositional orders, seek a change in placement and the like. The court might well identify general concerns to which the guardian ad litem should continue to be attentive, leaving to the guardian ad litem the methods to carry out the delegation of responsibility. This subsection also provides for the involvement of the guardian ad litem in appeals, leaving to the guardian ad litem broad discretion as to whether and how to participate. The requirement that the guardian ad litem notify the appellate court if the guardian ad litem chooses not to participate is to ensure that the guardian ad litem reflects on this important decision. The appellate court may require participation, notwithstanding the guardian ad litem's decision.
48.235 Annotation
Sub. (8) retains the current law that, unless the court otherwise orders, the county pays the fees of the guardian ad litem in matters under this chapter, but it creates an exception for uncontested termination proceedings and uncontested adoptions, in which cases the adoptive parents or the agency are required to pay this fee unless the court finds they are unable to do so. The court is given the authority to require advance payment of the guardian ad litem fees into an escrow account. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1990]
48.235 Annotation
When a party to a CHIPS action is represented by both adversary counsel and a GAL, adversary counsel must be allowed to zealously represent the client's expressed wishes even where the GAL holds an opposing view. In Interest of T.L. 151 W (2d) 725, 445 NW (2d) 729 (Ct. App. 1989).
48.235 Annotation
The courts' power to appropriate compensation for court-appointed counsel is necessary for the effective operation of the judicial system. In ordering compensation for court ordered attorneys, a court should abide by the s. 977.08 (4m) rate when it can retain qualified and effective counsel at that rate, but should order compensation at the rate under
SCR 81.01 or 81.02 or a higher rate when necessary to secure effective counsel. Friedrich v. Dane County Circuit Ct. 192 W (2d) 1, 531 NW (2d) 32 (1995).
48.235 Annotation
Except as provided in sub. (8), a guardian as litem appointed under ch. 48 is to be paid by the county regardless of the type of action or the parent's ability to pay. Michael T. v. Briggs, 204 W (2d) 401, 555 NW (2d) 651 (Ct. App. 1996).
PROCEDURE
48.24
48.24
Receipt of jurisdictional information; intake inquiry. 48.24(1)(1) Information indicating that a child or an unborn child should be referred to the court as in need of protection or services shall be referred to the intake worker, who shall conduct an intake inquiry on behalf of the court to determine whether the available facts establish prima facie jurisdiction and to determine the best interests of the child or unborn child and of the public with regard to any action to be taken.
48.24(1m)
(1m) As part of the intake inquiry, the intake worker shall inform the child and the child's parent, guardian and legal custodian that they, or the adult expectant mother of an unborn child that she, may request counseling from a person designated by the court to provide dispositional services under
s. 48.069.
48.24(2)(a)(a) As part of the intake inquiry the intake worker may conduct multidisciplinary screens and intake conferences with notice to the child, parent, guardian and legal custodian or to the adult expectant mother of the unborn child. If
sub. (2m) applies, the intake worker shall conduct a multidisciplinary screen under
s. 48.547 if the child or expectant mother has not refused to participate under
par. (b).
48.24(2)(b)
(b) No child or other person may be compelled to appear at any conference, participate in a multidisciplinary screen, produce any papers or visit any place by an intake worker.
48.24(2m)(a)(a) In counties that have an alcohol and other drug abuse program under
s. 48.547, a multidisciplinary screen shall be conducted for:
48.24(2m)(a)4.
4. Any child 12 years of age or older who requests and consents to a multidisciplinary screen.
48.24(2m)(a)5.
5. Any child who consents to a multidisciplinary screen requested by his or her parents.
48.24(2m)(a)6.
6. Any expectant mother 12 years of age or over who requests and consents to a multidisciplinary screen.
48.24(2m)(b)
(b) The multidisciplinary screen may be conducted by an intake worker for any reason other than those specified in the criteria under
par. (a).
48.24(3)
(3) If the intake worker determines as a result of the intake inquiry that the child or unborn child should be referred to the court, the intake worker shall request that the district attorney, corporation counsel or other official specified in
s. 48.09 file a petition.
48.24(4)
(4) If the intake worker determines as a result of the intake inquiry that the case should be subject to an informal disposition, or should be closed, the intake worker shall so proceed. If a petition has been filed, informal disposition may not occur or a case may not be closed unless the petition is withdrawn by the district attorney, corporation counsel or other official specified in
s. 48.09, or is dismissed by the judge.
48.24(5)
(5) The intake worker shall request that a petition be filed, enter into an informal disposition or close the case within 40 days or sooner of receipt of referral information. If the case is closed or an informal disposition is entered into, the district attorney, corporation counsel or other official under
s. 48.09 shall receive written notice of such action. If a law enforcement officer has made a recommendation concerning the child, or the unborn child and the expectant mother of the unborn child, the intake worker shall forward this recommendation to the district attorney, corporation counsel or other official under
s. 48.09. With respect to petitioning a child or unborn child to be in need of protection or services, information received more than 40 days before filing the petition may be included to establish a condition or pattern which, together with information received within the 40-day period, provides a basis for conferring jurisdiction on the court. The judge shall dismiss with prejudice any such petition which is not referred or filed within the time limits specified within this subsection.
48.24(6)
(6) The intake worker shall perform his or her responsibilities under this section under general written policies which the judge shall promulgate under
s. 48.06 (1) or
(2).
48.24 Annotation
Under the facts of this case, sub. (5) did not mandate dismissal although referral was not made within 40 days. In re J. L. W., 143 W (2d) 126, 420 NW (2d) 398 (Ct. App. 1988).
48.24 Annotation
Under sub. (1), "information indicating that a child should be referred to the court" is that quantum of information that would allow a reasonable intake worker to evaluate the appropriate disposition of the matter. In Interest of J.W.T., 159 W (2d) 754, 465 NW (2d) 520 (Ct. App. 1990).
48.24 Annotation
Sub. (5), when read in conjunction with sub. (3), requires that an intake worker request the district attorney to file a delinquency petition and does not require the intake worker to make a recommendation that a petition be filed. Interest of Antonio M.C. 182 W (2d) 301, 513 NW (2d) 662 (Ct. App. 1994).
48.243
48.243
Basic rights: duty of intake worker. 48.243(1)
(1) Before conferring with the parent, expectant mother or child during the intake inquiry, the intake worker shall personally inform parents, expectant mothers and children 12 years of age or older who are the focus of an inquiry regarding the need for protection or services that the referral may result in a petition to the court and of all of the following:
48.243(1)(b)
(b) The nature and possible consequences of the proceedings.
48.243(1)(c)
(c) The right to remain silent and the fact that silence of any party may be relevant.
48.243(1)(d)
(d) The right to confront and cross-examine those appearing against them.
48.243(1)(f)
(f) The right to present and subpoena witnesses.
48.243(1)(h)
(h) The right to have the allegations of the petition proved by clear and convincing evidence.
48.243(3)
(3) If the child or expectant mother has not had a hearing under
s. 48.21 or
48.213 and was not present at an intake conference under
s. 48.24, the intake worker shall inform the child, parent, guardian and legal custodian, or expectant mother, as appropriate, of the basic rights provided under this section. The notice shall be given verbally, either in person or by telephone, and in writing. This notice shall be given so as to allow the child, parent, guardian, legal custodian or adult expectant mother sufficient time to prepare for the plea hearing. This subsection does not apply to cases of informal disposition under
s. 48.245.
48.243(4)
(4) This section does not apply if the child or expectant mother was present at a hearing under
s. 48.21 or
48.213.
48.243 Annotation
A CHIPS proceeding is not a criminal proceeding within the meaning of the 5th amendment. Miranda warnings are not required to be given to the CHIPS petition subject, even though the individual is in custody and subject to interrogation, in order for the subject's statements to be admissible. State v. Thomas J.W. 213 W (2d) 264, 570 NW (2d) 586 (Ct. App. 1997)
