GAL: A Voice for the Children

By Sherrie Norris
There is a need in North Carolina for volunteers to step forward to claim a spot in the line of unsung heroes,

aka Guardian ad Litems.

In recognition of the program’s 25th anniversary, Gov. Mike Easley proclaimed April to be N.C. Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate Month. Last week, nearly 70 of those individuals who serve as Guardian ad Litem volunteers in western North Carolina were honored with a luncheon at Blowing Rock’s Outback Steakhouse. Their excitement was contagious, their passion for what they do genuine.

They heard the latest and most starling statistics, as well as success stories from program administrators, including director Jane Volland who came from her Raleigh office to show her appreciation to each of them who, as part of the 4,614 GAL volunteers in North Carolina last year, along with 100 attorneys, represented 17,701 abused and/or neglected children in the judicial system.

“It takes a special person to be a Guardian ad Litem and it gives you the opportunity to make a real difference in the life of a child,” Volland added. “Last year alone, GAL volunteers saved the state of North Carolina over $16 million through more than 900,000 hours of service.”

But, the need still exist, she emphasized, for more volunteers, “to ensure that every child who is a victim of abuse has someone to speak on their behalf during court proceedings.”

Volland stated that in the past fiscal year, “a record number of 38,000 court hearings involved GAL.”
The program was established in 1983 to protect and promote the best interests of children in abuse and neglect court proceedings. It provides training and other necessary tools to help the volunteers serve effectively as a “voice for the children.”

While many children are able to return home following the court proceedings, some are placed with extended family members, while still others are adopted. “What we try to ensure is that all of the children we represent remain safe, and that their homes are permanent,” Volland said.

A Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the juvenile court and paired with an attorney to investigate each case and to make recommendations to the judge regarding a safe place or special services needed for the child involved. In that role, these volunteer advocates “can champion an abused or neglected child and prevent them from suffering future harm,” Volland added.

Volunteer attorneys are also needed tovolunteer Attorneys make a difference in the life of a child.

“Pro bono attorneys have become a vital part of the N.C. GAL since the inception of the Pro Bono Project,” Volland noted. “With offices in every county of the state, the GAL program offers a variety of opportunities for attorneys who want to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children.”

Free training is provided for the pro bono attorneys in basic abuse and neglect laws, court processes, and appellate advocacy. Needs vary from county to county and include filing and defending appeals, as well as serving as the actual Guardian ad Litem.

“Our greatest current and ongoing need is for pro bono attorneys to handle appellate cases. In just the last two years our program has seen an exponential growth with more than 200 appeals currently open,” Volland said. “As you can imagine, it is difficult for many of our program’s attorneys to maintain their trial court work, while continuing to successfully advocate on numerous appeals. Luckily, private sector attorneys can take on an appeal anywhere in the state on behalf of our program and to ensure that a child’s best interests continue to be heard.”

What is the Role of a Guardian ad Litem?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL):
· Is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services.

· Makes independent recommendations to the court for services, which focus on the needs of each child.
· Advocates for a permanent and safe home for every child within the shortest time possible.
· Visits the child and keeps the child informed about the court proceedings.
· Communicates with the attorney advocate to develop legal strategies to further the best
interests of the child client.
· Gathers and assesses independent information on a consistent basis about the child to
recommend a resolution that is in the child’s best interest.
· Interviews the parents, guardians, caretakers, social workers and other service providers and reads records related to the family.
· Seeks cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case.
· Writes fact-based, child-focused reports for court hearings.
· Attends and participates in court hearings and other related meetings to advocate for a
permanent plan, which serves the child’s best interest
· Testifies, if needed, to inform the court of changes in the child’s situation.
· Ensures that the court knows the child’s wishes.
· Keeps all records and information confidential.
· Monitors court ordered services and keeps the
· Keeps curt informed about needs of the child.
· Consults with local program staff for support and guidance.

What are the qualifications?
The main qualifications are a sincere concern for the well being of children and a continuing commitment to advocate for a child until a safe and permanent home is obtained. The volunteer must also be a mature adult of sound character with good verbal and written communication skills. A Guardian ad Litem Volunteer must be objective and nonjudgmental and be able to interact with people of various educational, economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Requirements
The process of becoming a Guardian ad Litem includes submitting a written application, three personal/professional references and a criminal record check. A staff member will conduct a personal interview. A volunteer must complete 30 hours of required training. The volunteer will be sworn in by a district court judge before assignment of his or her first case. The GAL volunteer will commit to at least four hours per month on appointed cases.

The N.C. Volunteer Guardian ad Litem training curriculum is taught by certified and experienced GAL trainers or staff. Volunteers also receive continuing education on advocacy issues.

Anyone interested in joining this team of volunteers serving the northwest district should contact John Lewis at (828) 682-4754 or email at john.lewis@nccourts.org.