APPLICATION PROCESS FOR RENEWALS, RECERTIFICATIONS OR REINSTATEMENTS
9/15/07

Process Generally

This process is used for:

• Normal renewals submitted prior to certification expiration;
• Late renewals submitted within 90 days after certification expiration;
• Requests for new certification following a settlement or agreement with the Board (also consult terms of settlement or agreement);
• Requests for recertification following the expiration of a certification that was under suspension;
• Requests for reinstatement of a revoked certification or for reinstatement of an existing certification under suspension

Note: All renewal materials should be submitted to the Board in the 90-day period prior to the expiration of certification.

Persons who fail to request renewal prior to expiration of their certification but who do so within 90 days after expiration will be required to submit a signed statement of the reasons for failure to timely request renewal, as well as certain additional supporting documentation. See Gal 401.05. Persons requesting recertification more than 90 days after the expiration of certification (which does not involve a settlement or agreement with the Board, a revocation or the expiration of a certification under suspension) should consult Gal 401.06 and the Board’s “Summary of Required Documentation for New Application”.

In order to timely apply for renewal of certification, an applicant must provide the following in the 90-day period prior to the expiration of certification:

1. A completed application for Renewal, Reinstatement or Recertification form (with “Continuing Education” attachments);
2. A completed Supplemental Application for Renewal, Reinstatement or Recertification form Certification form (with “Log of Professional or Volunteer Experience” attachment, if not previously submitted)
3. The renewal application fee of $75; [the fee for reinstatements and certain recertifications is $100]
4. All required supporting materials, including but not limited to a criminal records release with required fee; In-court Training Log (if not previously provided); Central Registry letter and waiver of confidentiality.

The application process is designed to obtain the information necessary to determine qualifications as well as to gather information that would assist the court in making an informed decision on whether or not to appoint an individual as a GAL in a particular case. See RSA 490-C: 4, II (g) and RSA 490-C: 5, I (b). Please note that although the Summary and Checklist are lengthy, many of the items addressed would not apply in the circumstance of a standard, timely request for renewal. The summary, forms and checklist and are designed to be used in a variety of contexts.

The Board will not consider a request for renewal until it has received the material noted above, as well as return from the Department of Safety of the results of the applicant’s criminal background check. Once required materials are received, the Board will notify the applicant if the application is incomplete or if the Board requires additional information or materials.

Qualifications

The Board adopted new rules relating to the renewal process and to the qualifications of certified GALs effective September 15, 2007. Although GALs initially certified by the Board before that date are not required to meet the new qualification provisions during the remainder of their initial term of certification, they will be required to meet the new qualifications at the time of renewal. See Gal 303.03 and Gal 404.03. This includes, but is not limited to, in-court training and volunteer and professional experience requirements.

As a practical matter, this means, in part, that a GAL certified before September 15, 2007 will be required to submit some material at the time of his or her first renewal that may not be required at the time of subsequent renewals. The material is specified in the Board’s Summary and Checklist regarding renewal, reinstatement and recertification. Qualifications for renewal generally are addressed at Gal 401.10. Please note that qualifications and required supporting materials may differ somewhat in circumstances other than a standard, timely renewal.

Information concerning the Board’s continuing education requirement can be found at the Board’s “Continuing Education Materials” page.
Since the adoption of continuing education, experience and other requirements have occurred during the term of some GAL’s first period of certification, the Board’s rules provide a variety of methods to address potential difficulties, including but not limited to procedures for requesting approval of various types of non-standard continuing education; for requesting temporary certification in order to complete an appointment; for requesting an alteration of time in which to complete continuing education; and for requesting a one-time temporary waiver of certain continuing education and experience requirements. Information relating to such requests can be found in the Board’s administrative rules and at the Board’s “Miscellaneous Materials” and “Continuing Education Materials” pages.

If you have questions about the application materials or the application process, please review the Summary of Required Documentation for Renewals, Reinstatements and Recertifications, the Renewal, Reinstatement and Recertification Checklist and/or the administrative rules of the Guardian ad Litem Board. These materials will answer many questions. You may, of course, also contact the staff of the GAL Board.

Please Note

Certified guardians ad litem will be listed on the Board’s website and included in any list of GALs that the Board may issue. The "business contact" information provided on the Application for Certification (or in an application for renewal, reinstatement or recertification) will be utilized for these lists.

Persons seeking reinstatement after revocation or recertification after suspension should review the “Request for Recertification or Reinstatement” form [LINK TO GAL FORM 21] found in the Board’s “Miscellaneous Materials.”

The foregoing information regarding renewals, reinstatements and recertifications is simply intended as a synopsis of the Board’s process. It is not a verbatim recitation of all applicable rules and statutes. Those interested or involved in the renewal, reinstatement of recertification process should consult the specific laws or rules at issue.

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