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Glossary - G

GAL (see guardian ad litem)

grief
Emotional reaction to a significant loss. For children and families in the child welfare system, it can be the acutely sad and painful emotions experienced when they are separated from each other.

group care (see residential services)

group home
Residence intended to meet the needs of children who are unable to live in a family setting and do not need a more intensive residential service. Homes normally house 4 to 12 children in a setting that offers the potential for the full use of community resources, including employment, health care, education, and recreational opportunities. Desired outcomes of group home programs include full incorporation of the child into the community, return of the child to his or her family or other permanent family, and/or acquisition by the child of the skills necessary for independent living.

guardian (see legal guardian)

guardian ad litem (GAL)
A lawyer or layperson who represents a child in juvenile or family court. Usually this person considers the best interest of the child and may perform a variety of roles, including those of independent investigator, advocate, advisor, and guardian for the child. A layperson who serves in this role is sometimes known as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA).

guardianship
The transfer of parental responsibility and legal authority for a minor child to an adult caregiver who intends to provide permanent care for the child. This can be done without terminating the parental rights of the child's parents. Transferring legal responsibility removes the child from the child welfare system, allows the caregiver to make important decisions on the child's behalf, and establishes a long-term caregiver for the child. In subsidized guardianship, the guardian is provided with a monthly subsidy for the care and support of the child.

Updated on January 11, 2008