NCVLI Provides Technical Assistance to Help Child-Victims Assert Rights

NCVLI was recently asked to provide technical assistance to prosecutors who sought to have a guardian ad litem (GAL) appointed to assert victims’ rights on behalf of a young child-victim whose identity was misappropriated by a parent.  When the parent/defendant opposed the motion, the prosecutors reached out to NCVLI for help.  NCVLI provided support to these prosecutors as they sought to ensure that victims’ rights are protected, regardless of the age of the victim and or the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim.  All victims – whether adults or children – are entitled to assert their rights in criminal proceedings, and although parents or other family members may often be an asset in ensuring that the rights of child-victims are honored, this case embodies an instance in which the interests of the parent/defendant and the interests of the child-victim clearly diverged. 

NCVLI is happy to report that this case resulted in a positive outcome - the court ultimately appointed a GAL for the child!  Thank you to our partners on the ground for working with us to ensure protection of this child-victim’s rights.

To learn more about NCVLI’s Safeguarding Child-Victims’ Rights Initiative, click here.

To request technical assistance, click here.

Our legal technical assistance ensures that every attorney and advocate can make the best arguments for the victims they serve.  Donate today to make a difference in the life of a victim.