In the Interest of W. L. H.

In an opinion that disregards the child’s express wishes, offers insufficient legal analysis, and fails to provide needed guidance for our juvenile courts, the majority opinion holds that a community volunteer serving as the guardian ad litem is the only person who can appeal on behalf of a child in a deprivation action, regardless of the child’s age, the judgment of the child’s attorney, or any other circumstances. The practical effect of the opinion is to vest an appointed community volunteer with sole unreviewable authority to determine whether to appeal the finding of deprivation, which…