Nine-Year-Old Reunited with Mom after GAL Investigation
A first went to live with her aunt when she was seven years old. The aunt got guardianship because A’s mother was arrested after her husband physically disciplined another child. When A.’s mother asked the Court to discharge guardianship and return the child, the Court appointed CVLS as Guardian Ad Litem. First-time GAL Anna Choi, an associate from Foley & Lardner, did a phenomenal job investigating and advocating for A’s best interests.
Understandably concerned about the mother’s history of physical discipline, Anna recommended that both the mother and stepfather participate in parenting classes and discipline-intervention programs. After speaking to A., Anna recognized her client’s strong desire to return to her mother so she encouraged visits while taking appropriate steps to ensure that A.’s safety and best interests were prioritized.
A, now nine years old, has been reunited with her mother, after the court followed Anna’s recommendation. The entire family agreed to the reunification. A.’s mother has since made education a focus in her and her child’s life. While helping A. with her online classes due to COVID-19, A.’s mother is also working toward her GED remotely through a nearby community college.
