Bill > H3334

This bill aims to improve training for child advocates to recognize indicators of domestic violence. It requires that all child custody cases referred to a guardian ad litem (a court-appointed representative for a child) include a domestic violence screening assessment, where the judge will search the statewide domestic violence record system and review the data to determine if the parties have any history of domestic violence. Additionally, all appointed guardians ad litem will be required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of professional development training, including at least 8 hours of training on the indicators of domestic violence from an approved domestic violence organization. The bill also allows for formal complaints about the competency of an appointed guardian ad litem to be filed in a motion to a judge in camera (in private).

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3334