The Nebraska Supreme Court adopted Guidelines for Guardians ad Litem for Juveniles in Juvenile Court Proceedings to ensure that the legal and best interests of juveniles in dependency and abuse/neglect proceedings initiated under the Nebraska Juvenile Code are effectively represented by their court-appointed Guardians ad Litem. For more information about Guardians ad Litem, refer to the Supreme Court rule regarding guardian ad litem education requirements.

Attorneys Eligible for GAL Appointment

Visit Nebraska MCLE Online for a complete list of attorneys eligible for GAL appointment. Click on "Search Guardian ad Litem" from the left-hand navigation to generate the list.

Approved Education for GAL Training

Required 6 hour training: A project is underway to revamp Guardian ad Litem Education.  Currently to be included in the list of approved guardians ad litem an attorney must complete an initial 6 hour course.  The initial course at this time is solely offered through the Through the Eyes of the Child Initiative which provides online training that satisfies the 6 hour requirement. The initial training can be found at: http://www.throughtheeyes.org/gal/online_training.php.  Attorneys who complete the training must submit proof of completion of the course at Nebraska MCLE Online, to be included on the Supreme Court's Approved GAL list.

 

Annual 3 hour Education:  Every year after taking the initial course, approved Guardians ad Litem must complete 3 additional hours of education to stay on the list of approved Guardians ad Litem.  Until the Administrative office of the Courts completes the revamp of GAL education, the  additional hourly requirement can be satisfied through attendance at any education dealing with child and adolescent development, children in the courts or issues surrounding abuse and neglect as well as other issues that arise in juvenile court. Attorneys are not limited to any particular organization’s training in meeting the additional 3 hour annual requirement.  The criteria for what satisfies the 3 hour requirement is liberally construed at this time.  Upon completion of the revamp project there will be specific criteria as well as courses designated for GAL education.  When you attend classes to satisfy the 3 hour requirement, submit proof of attendance to the MCLE Commission in order to continue to be included on list of approved GALs.  Approval for GAL credit for a selected course is obtained through the MCLE Commission.

Contact Information

Nebraska MCLE Commission
Carole McMahon-Boies, Director 
State Capitol Building, 3rd Floor
Supreme Court Library 
Lincoln, NE 68509
Telephone: 402-471-3137
Fax: 402-471-0728 
E-mail: nsc.mcle@nebraska.gov