In Akkiko M. v. Superior Court (1985) 163 Cal. App. 3d 525, the court rejected the suggestion that the county social services agency, which at that time was designated as guardian ad litem for dependent children (see former 326), had the power to choose counsel for those children. The court explained that pursuant to former section 318 (now 317), "it is apparent that many of the responsibilities normally associated with a guardian ad litem have been placed upon counsel. In light of the duties placed upon counsel by section 318, we reject the Department's argument that, as guardian ad litem, the Department controls litigation and retention of counsel for an abused and neglected minor. The Legislature intended that independent counsel, not the Department in its role as guardian ad litem, would control litigation and represent the interests of the abused or neglected child." ( Akkiko M v. Superior Court, supra, 163 Cal. App. 3d at p.530.)