With the past in mind: A guardian ad litem's view of future planning in child care

Abstract This article is written by a practising guardian ad litem and counsellor, working psycho-dynamically with adults. Its aim is simple: to comment on trends in child care practice and policy, and in particular, to lament the loss of a perspective on parents and children's histories and pasts. As guardians, we have a privileged perspective. Our task, in care proceedings, to safeguard the interests of the child where there is likely to be a conflict of interest (DHSS, 1984) lays on us the duty to investigate all circumstances relevant to the proceedings regard as the first and paramount consideration the need to safeguard and promote the infant's best interests until he achieves adulthood, and take into account the wishes and feelings of the infant, having regard to his age and understanding, and ensure that those wishes and feelings are made known to the court (DHSS, 1984). This role, new in opposed care proceedings since 1984 and constantly evolving, is both responsible and engrossing. In attempting...