Rule 25-61A. Standing Committee on Guardians Ad Litem and Attorneys for the Minor Child in Family Matters

(a) There shall be a standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters. The membership shall consist of nine individuals, appointed by the chief court administrator. The members shall serve at the pleasure of the chief court administrator, and shall include:

(1) the chief public defender, or his or her designee;

(2) a mental health professional, with experience in the fields of child and family matters;

(3) the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health, or his or her designee;

(4) an attorney in good standing, licensed to practice law in the State of Connecticut by the Judicial Branch, who focuses his or her practice in the area of family law, and who is not on the list of individuals qualified to be appointed as a guardian ad litem or an attorney for a minor child in a family matter;

(5) two judges of the Superior Court with experience presiding over family matters, one of whom shall be designated by the chief court administrator to serve as chairperson;

(6) two members of the public; and

(7) a representative of a nonprofit legal services organization who has experience in family law.

(b) In addition to any other powers and duties set forth in this chapter, the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters shall:

(1) From time to time, establish additional qualifications, not inconsistent with Sections 25-62 and 25-62A, for an individual to be deemed eligible to be appointed as a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child in family matters;

(2) Approve the curriculum for the training required by Sections 25-62 and 25-62A as amended;

(3) Establish and administer a process by which an individual may be removed from the list of those deemed eligible for appointment as a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child in family matters;

(4) Annually review and approve a list of individuals deemed eligible for appointment as a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child in family matters; and

(5) Adopt procedures to carry out its functions.

(c) The Office of Chief Public Defender shall collaborate with the standing committee on guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters to:

(1) Administer the training of guardians ad litem and attorneys for the minor child in family matters;

(2) Promulgate and maintain an application for individuals to be deemed eligible to be appointed as a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child in family matters; and

(3) Provide a list of qualified individuals to be eligible for appointment as a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child to the Judicial Branch at least once per year.

(d) The Office of Chief Public Defender may promulgate and maintain an additional application process for eligible individuals wishing to contract with the Office of Chief Public Defender to serve as a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor child at state rates.