Definitions of decision makers who commonly work with foster youth.
Judge: The judge is the person who makes decisions about your life. The judge does not leave the courtroom to investigate your life, so they listen to what others say about your life. Because other people will be talking about your life, it is important that the judge know what you want and need, so they can make a decision that is in your best interests.
Caseworker/Social worker: If you are removed from your home, a case worker/social worker representing the County or Tribe will investigate whether or not it is safe for you to go back. If not, you will be placed in foster care and the social worker will determine an “out-of-home placement plan” for your parents. This plan creates the steps necessary for your parents to take for you to be safe living with them.
You may be assigned new social workers while you are in foster care or if your parent’s rights are terminated and you are looking for an adoptive home. Your case worker will meet with you and other adults in your life to figure out what you need now, what you need in the future, and how to get those needs met.
Your social worker is required to see you monthly. The judge will review your case worker’s plans and decisions to make sure they’re legal, meet your needs, and include a plan for how you’ll leave foster care someday.
Guardian ad Litem: The judge will assign a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)to your case. The GAL doesn’t make decisions about you. Their role is to gather information about you and your family and tell the judge what they think is in your best interest, which helps the judge make decisions.
Attorney: If you’re over 10 years old, you can ask for an attorney to represent you for free. Your attorney doesn’t make decisions, but can tell the judge what you want to have happen, which helps the judge make decisions. Your attorney or “lawyer” is specially trained to give advice to you and speak for you in court. The lawyer’s job is to figure out the best way to tell the judge what you want and to explain why the judge should agree.
Your parents and Guardian Ad Litem may have their own lawyers. The County Attorney represents the agency where your social worker works. The County Attorney is not your lawyer.
Tribal Representative: Youth with American Indian heritage who are receiving services from a county agency will have a Tribal representative assigned by your Tribe. Your tribal representative makes sure decisions made about you protect your sense of belonging to your culture, heritage, and Tribe. If you think you may have American Indian heritage, let your case worker know.
Foster Parents or Facility Staff: Your foster parents or facility staff take care of your day‐to‐day needs. Your relatives or kin can be foster parents, too. Whoever has custody of you will give your foster parents or facility staff permission to make decisions about some things, like what time you go to bed, or where you go to get medical care.
Licensing social worker: This person supports your foster home and monitors the quality of the care you receive. Depending on the type of placements you are in, you may or may not see this person.
