Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Announces Request for Proposal for Guardian ad Litem Services

SAN JOSÉ, California (March 4, 2025):  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to serve as Guardian ad Litem (GAL) contractors in Juvenile Dependency Court. This critical role involves advocating for dependency participants who are mentally ill or incompetent, ensuring their legal rights are protected in court proceedings.

The Guardian ad Litem is appointed to safeguard the dependency participant’s interests, oversee litigation decisions, and provide necessary support throughout the legal process. This contract opportunity offers professionals a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable families while assisting the Court in fulfilling its mission of providing equal justice for all.

Key Details of the Opportunity:

• Term: One-year contract, renewable for up to two additional years at the Court’s discretion.
• Compensation: $50 per hour for training and services rendered after appointment.
• Qualifications: Minimum of a BA/BS degree, experience with juvenile dependency systems, knowledge of mental health and family services, and strong interpersonal skills. Bilingual and bicultural candidates are preferred.
• Training Requirements: Includes court observation, dependency overview film, and parent orientation classes.

Why It Matters:
Juvenile Dependency Court handles nearly 450 new cases annually, with a focus on protecting children, ensuring stability, and keeping families together. The appointment of a Guardian ad Litem plays a crucial role in upholding these values and ensuring fair representation for vulnerable dependency participants.

Interested individuals must submit a completed Court application form and two letters of reference. Selected contractors will be subject to a background check.

For more information and to apply, visit: GAL Request for Proposal.

The Superior Court of California County of Santa Clara is the fifth largest court in the state and the largest Court in the Bay Area. The Court serves the public by providing equal justice for all in a fair, accessible, effective, efficient, and courteous manner. In all of the divisions of the court that handle issues involving families, the best interest and safety of the child is the first priority of the Court. The focus of the Juvenile Dependency Court is on protecting a child from parents who neglect or abuse them. Two judges sit in Dependency Court handle close to 800 new filings a year and about 800 cases are under judicial supervision at any given time.