Volunteer Guardian ad Litem

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We represent children in foster care, and are their eyes and ears and speak for their interests in court. We make sure that throughout the entire duration in Protective Care, they are always safe, happy, and healthy, and we try to make sure that if/when they do go back home, they won't end up back in care. We write reports to a Judge, and then attend court to speak on behalf of these neglected and abused children who can't. We're looking for volunteers to join us. We provide all the training and shadowing necessary to do an effective job. You'll take on one or two cases maximum, and go visit the kiddos in care and compile a report of their circumstances and any recommendations you may have concerning their well-being (don't worry, we'll train you up in report writing too). Our Advocate Coordinators will be with you every step of the way. Currently, we represent six counties: Adams, Gem, Canyon, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington. In these six counties, we have more than 800 active cases and not enough volunteers to cover even half that capacity, which means some of these children are going without representation during this extremely difficult process. As a volunteer, you'll befriend the child, color with them, sing karaoke, take them to a park and play on the swings - you are their friend. We help them know they can trust us, and they, in turn, depend upon us to be their voice in a complicated welfare system. You don't need any prior experience, all we ask is that you are 21 years old or older, and are able to pass a background check. If you are not interested in being a Guardian ad Litem, we're also looking for volunteers to help with office work and someone to assist our Advocate Coordinators in report writing. For more information, please visit www.3rddistrictguardian.org.