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Yes, I think they're called "County Council". When we've gone to hearings there is usually County Council, representing the county/DCFS, the GAL, representing the child and the attorney for the birthmom and/or bf (depending on the circumstances they will have separte attorneys). If there is a de facto parent, they can represent themselves or have an attorney represent them.
As for the relationship between county council and the gal; in my case they seem to get along very well. Also, I didn't realize this until I went to court, they all work together everyday. Meaning, they are assigned to the same "dept." which is the courtroom. It's the same county council, gal and parents attorney each time, all day. They seem to go back and forth between two courtrooms right next to each other. At least, this is what I've seen. So, maybe the GAL has seen this county council so some "shady" things he/she didn't like.
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