• 80 people are interested
 

Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Advocate - New Haven Region

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ORGANIZATION: Children in Placement-CT, Inc.

  • 80 people are interested
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Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Volunteer Opportunity

Thousands of abused, neglected, and abandoned children become the subject of judicial proceedings each year in Connecticut. Their voices are often unheard, and their best interests overlooked in the court process.

The main responsibility of a GAL volunteer is to serve as a friend of the court, acting on behalf of children in protective state custody, with the ultimate goal being the reduction in the time that these children await permanent placement. When assigned a case, the GAL advocate is tasked with providing a thorough investigation to determine what is best for the child(ren), and this is completed by interviewing the child, parents and other family members, social workers, therapists, doctors, and educators. It is important that the GAL has a complete understanding of the situation to make the appropriate recommendations to the court.

All GAL advocates are extensively trained, supervised and supported by the Children in Placement team to provide them with the best tools to support these children in state welfare. They are required to complete 40 hours of intensive training, with a 12-hour follow-up annually. Volunteers are assigned one case and remain with the case until it is closed, and final placement is successfully found for the child(ren).

GALs are essential in ensuring that a child’s best interests are heard by the court; however, they also provide a support system and a trusting adult figure for these children, many of whom have never had someone advocate for their well-being.

Our GAL volunteers are genuine heroes, doing the work of reducing the time Connecticut's abused and neglected children spend in the welfare system. It is our goal to help find them a safe, stable and permanent home where they can flourish and truly live the childhoods they deserve.


Time Commitment~ this depends on the complexity of the assigned case. On average, volunteers spend approximately 2-5 hours per month working on a case, with most cases lasting between 3-6 months.

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About Children in Placement-CT, Inc.

Location:

155 East St, Suite 202, New Haven, CT 06511, US

Mission Statement

Advocating for the best interests of Connecticut’s abused and neglected children throughout the child welfare and judicial systems; Children in Placement secures safe homes, supportive services, and a stable transition into adulthood by objectively assessing and supporting each child’s situation.

Description

Children in Placement is a 501(c)3 non-profit that has been helping the children of Connecticut since 1979. We strive to be Connecticut’s recognized leader and, in this role, bring awareness, partnerships, resources and systemic policy changes supporting children and youth in accessing the supports they need to develop and eventually become successful adults.

CAUSE AREAS

Advocacy & Human Rights
Children & Youth
Justice & Legal
Advocacy & Human Rights, Children & Youth, Justice & Legal

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

155 East StreetNew Haven, CT 06511

(41.30259,-72.90986)
 

SKILLS

  • Child Welfare
  • Child Development
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Case Work / Management
  • Youth Services

GOOD FOR

N/A

REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver's License Needed
  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 21
  • 5- 15 Hours per month
  • Access to vehicle, bilingual skills a plus, requires 2 year commitment, 40 hours of training

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