I am deeply disappointed in the way Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Leslie Graske handled our family's case. Throughout the process, it became increasingly clear that she demonstrated a consistent bias toward the father, while disregarding the voices of our teenage children and the significant evidence we presented regarding their well-being.
Despite serious and well-documented concerns -- including mental health challenges, hospitalization, and substance abuse issues -- Ms. Graske chose to support the father without conducting a balanced investigation or giving appropriate consideration to the evidence and concerns raised. Her unwillingness to engage with my side of the family, stating that I was "not the one under the microscope," reflected a troubling lack of neutrality and professionalism.
A Guardian ad Litem's primary duty is to act in the best interests of the children, ensuring their safety, stability, and emotional welfare. Unfortunately, that was not my experience. Ms. Graske's report appeared one-sided and incomplete, omitting key facts and perspectives that were critical to understanding the situation fully. It often felt as though her conclusions were predetermined, without a fair or comprehensive evaluation of both sides.
Since that time, additional events have only reinforced my concerns. The father has since had a child with a partner struggling with drug addiction -- a baby who is now in foster care under the supervision of Children's Services. These developments highlight the very risks and warning signs that were raised but ignored during our proceedings.
Families entrust Guardians ad Litem to act with fairness, diligence, and compassion. I truly hope that the court and relevant oversight authorities review Ms. Graske's work carefully to ensure accountability and to protect other families from experiencing the same imbalance and lack of objectivity. Every child deserves an advocate who listens to all sides and upholds the principles of neutrality, integrity, and child-centered care that this role demands. read more
