The Trial Court must “appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the interests of the child” in every juvenile case. Hocąk Nation Children & Family Act, 4 HCC §§ 3.25b, 3.75a; Third Party Guardianship Act, 4 HCC § 11.12b see also Ho-Chunk Nation Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 26. The Ho-Chunk Nation Judiciary continually seeks conscientious, caring and dependable individuals to fill this important role. A guardian ad litem serves as an independent advocate and informs the Court of a child's interests in child protection actions and guardianship matters.

The Trial Court facilitates an annual guardian ad litem training session, which typically occurs in July at Wa Ehi Hocira in Black River Falls, WI. See Ho-Chunk Nation Rules for Guardian Ad Litem, Rule II(a, f). Interested individuals should contact the Trial Court Clerk of Court at (800) 434-4070 or (715) 284-2722. Once included on the Panel of Approved Guardians ad Litem, individuals must maintain good standing, including satisfying a continuing education requirement. Ho-Chunk Nation Rules for Guardian Ad Litem, Rule VI.