Bill > H1642

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 a judge reviews the parties' records for any history of domestic violence. Additionally, all appointed guardians ad litem must 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 with a judge in camera (in private).

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1642