The Permanency Puzzle: Fitting the GAL, Caregivers, and Professionals Together

Description

(April 2026) 

A collaborative workshop designed to bridge the gap between the roles of the Guardian ad Litem (GAL), Social Worker, and daily caregiver. This presentation focuses on the role of the GAL and how caregivers and social workers can understand and team with them.

Key Presentation Components:

The GAL’s Role as Investigative Partner: Explaining how GALs represent the child’s “best interests”.

The Caregiver’s Voice: Empowering foster parents and kin to provide the “missing pieces” of the puzzle, such as a child’s emotional progress, medical history, and educational needs.

Collaborative Teaming: Strategies for Permanency Teaming, where all parties work simultaneously toward reunification and alternative permanent placements like adoption or Transfer of Custody.

Nicole Lanz obtained her MSW through Winona State University and holds an LGSW through the MN Board of Social Work.  Nicole has many years experience working across the child welfare field within a rural county including preventative services, assessment and investigations, case management, permanency, and licensing.  Nicole is currently employed at the State of Minnesota, Department of Children, Youth, and Families as a Permanency Quality Assurance Consultant.

Kara Obermeyer has been serving with the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Program since 2010. She currently holds the role of Supervisor in the 3rd Judicial District, where she oversees the juvenile court division and supports program staff in advocating for the best interests of children. Kara earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State University and later obtained her Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law. She is a licensed attorney. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Kara stays active with her three children, often attending and supporting their many activities—most commonly at sporting events.

Darik Anderson has been a Guardian ad Litem in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District for nearly four years. Her career background in chemical dependency and life experiences have helped guide her in her advocacy for children involved in the child protection system.

watch time: 56 minutes

Eligible Certificate of Completion time: 60 minutes