The guardian ad litem and the child shall have access to each other at reasonable times and places, and this access shall not be restricted or limited by any agency or person without good cause. To ensure proper access, the guardian ad litem has the obligation to ascertain the location of the child, to initiate communication with the child, and to provide the child with contact information for the guardian ad litem promptly. The child’s legal custodian shall provide the guardian ad litem with timely information regarding the current residence of the child and shall notify the guardian ad litem promptly of any change in placement of the child.

Establishing and maintaining a relationship with the child is the foundation of effective guardian ad litem representation. Frequent communication between the guardian ad litem and the child is an important part of promoting the relationship. It is essential that the child be readily accessible to the guardian ad litem to ensure frequent communication and in order for the guardian ad litem to fulfill his or her duties. The guardian ad litem should be excluded from access with the child only in rare and extreme circumstances.

It is equally important that the guardian ad litem be easily accessible to the child. The child should be provided with the name, telephone number, and address of the guardian ad litem immediately upon the appointment of the guardian ad litem and the opportunity, at reasonable times, to initiate contact with the guardian ad litem.