Stewart v. St. Louis County

CRIST, Judge.

We reverse a declaratory judgment that “public funds” in § 210.160, RSMo. 1978 means “state funds.” The relevant parts of the statute provide:

In every case involving an abused or neglected child which results in a judicial proceeding the judge shall appoint a guardian ad litem to appear for and represent:(1) A child who is the subject of proceedings under Sections 210.110 to 210-165 [i.e., the child abuse and neglect reporting act];

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Said guardian ad litem may be allowed a reasonable fee for such services to be set by the court and paid from public funds. (emphasis added)