Saint Paul, MN - Governor Mark Dayton is asking for applicants to serve as members of the Guardian Ad Litem Board. The seven member board is responsible for creating and administering an independent, statewide guardian ad litem program.

The guardian ad litem program's purpose is to advocate for the best interests of children, minor parents and incompetent adults in juvenile and family court cases. Along with administering this program, the board is responsible for approving and recommending a budget for the guardian ad litem program and board, establishing procedures for distribution of funding, and developing guardian ad litem program procedures, guidelines and policies.

Governor Dayton is currently considering one vacancy on the board. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in maintaining a high-quality guardian ad litem program and must possess knowledge of the program and laws affecting its work. Members cannot be a registered lobbyist or active judge. For this vacancy, candidates must also reside outside of the First, Second, Fourth and Tenth Judicial Districts.

Those interested in serving should submit an "Open Appointments" application along with a letter of interest and a resume for consideration to the board. Application forms can be found on the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Application materials should be sent to the Office of the Secretary of State, Open Appointments, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55155-1299 or via email to open.appointments@state.mn.us.

For inquiries concerning applications to the board, please contact Tiffany Orth at tiffany.orth@state.mn.us.