In the Interest of G.F. and A.P.F.

Outcome: The Appellate Court overruled the Trial Court's finding that an appeal alleging ineffective assistance of counsel on the part of the ad litem was frivolous.

Description: CPS appeal where the mother's rights were terminated. The main issue on appeal is whether the children's attorney ad litem constituted ineffective assistance of counsel where the ad litem failed to represent the children's interests by advocating that they be reunited with their mother. The trial court found that an appeal would be frivolous, requiring her to get approval from the appellate court before filing an appeal.