An Illinois Order appointing Guardian ad Item is a court order issued by a judge in the state of Illinois that appoints an individual, known as the Guardian ad Item (GAL), to represent a minor in a legal matter. The GAL is responsible for advocating on behalf of the minor's best interests and providing information to the court. There are two types of Illinois Order Appointing Guardian ad Item: a Temporary Order Appointing Guardian ad Item and a Permanent Order Appointing Guardian ad Item. A Temporary Order Appointing Guardian ad Item is typically issued when a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult has been unable to be located or is not available to make decisions for the minor. A Permanent Order Appointing Guardian ad Item is typically issued when the minor has been determined to be in need of a permanent guardian. In both cases, the Illinois Order appointing Guardian ad Item will include the name and contact information of the GAL, the name of the minor, and the case number.