ATTENTION: THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE INPUT INTO THE 2017 AUDIT OF THE MN STATE GAL PROGRAM:
Source: http://www.pd4pic.com
There is still time to provide written comments concerning the Guardian ad Litem Program!
There is still time to provide written comments concerning the Guardian ad Litem Program!
From an e-mail from Caitlin Badger, who is on the GAL audit team, ” It would be most helpful to us to have all comments submitted by the beginning of October, but we are happy to hear from people for the remainder of the calendar year (2017).”
PLEASE get the word out about the GAL Audit so others can submit concerns, or add any other feedback.
Contact Jodi Munson Rodríguez, program evaluation manager by e-mail at: jodi.rodriguez@state.mn.us
Or, Caitlin Badger, Evaluator: Caitlin.Badger@state.mn.us
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The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) State of Minnesota is now conducting a “Program Evaluation” audit of the Minnesota State Guardian ad Litem Program.
Read Here for More Information: OLA Guardian ad Litem Topic Selection Background Paper April 2017
As part of that audit process, the Evaluators from the OLA Program Evaluation Division want to hear from the public, regarding their concerns about the MN State GAL Program. One option they are considering is scheduling an open meeting forum where the public can meet directly with them to provide input. This would likely mean travel to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for the meeting, and they would like to know how many people are willing to travel for this type of meeting.
The Evaluators from the OLA Program Division also have a “mailing list,” for members of the public, if they want to have their name added to it. Through the mailing list, they will provide updates to the public regarding the upcoming process of the audit, meeting dates and times, etc.
Note: It is important for the public to keep in mind when providing information to the Evaluators that they are seeking information regarding the problems within the whole system of the MN State GAL Program. Their focus will be on reviewing the system. There has been a common pattern of GAL problems affecting so many parents and children in family court, making it quite easy for the public to identify and compile this information to give to the Evaluators. This focus area will have the most benefit and impact on the audit process. Think about this as you prepare your input.
For more information about the role of a Guardian ad Litem, and their mandated duties please visit: Role of the Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
The public may also send information directly to the Evaluators at their email addresses. Keep in mind that the focus needs to be on the system problems, and ideas as to how the program can be improved, reformed, etc.
A Call to Action has proposed the following suggestions for reform, that may be helpful when considering the input you provide:
Proposed Reform: Guardian ad Litem Program
Changes Proposed to Guardian ad Litem Appointment & Responsibilities (HF3564)
If you want to be involved in the audit process, as a member of the public, a good way to begin is to do the following:
1. Contact the Evaluators of the OLA Program Division and let them know you are in favor of having a group public meeting with the Evaluators! They want to hear from the public, as they are gauging the public’s level of interest in this! Call or email them at the contacts below.
2. Contact the Evaluators of the OLA Program Division and ask them to add your name to their “mailing list” to get their updates of their audit process and opportunities for public input! This is our chance now to make a difference!
Caitlin W. Badger
Evaluator, Office of the Legislative Auditor, State of MN
Program Evaluation Division
Direct: 651-297-1917
Fax: 651-296-4712
Email: Caitlin.Badger@state.mn.us
Web: www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us
Suite 140, Centennial Building
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
Jodi Munson Rodriguez
Evaluator, Office of the Legislative Auditor, State of MN
Program Evaluation Division
651-296-1230
Fax: 651-296-4712
Email: Jodi.Rodriguez@state.mn.us
Web: www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us
Suite 140, Centennial Building
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul MN 55155
A Call to Action ~ Together We Are Stronger (C2A) 