Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

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Calling All Volunteers:

RSVP & the Volunteer Center has teamed up with the Guardian ad Litem Program to help them search for volunteers who are interested in becoming an advocate for children in court. These are children who have been victims of abuse and/or neglect. The children are at a vulnerable time in their lives. It is critical that they have a consistent adult who can speak to the court about what is in the child’s best interests.

Duties :

A Guardian ad Litem:

1. Gets to know the child by independently reviewing the facts on behalf of the child.
2. Communicates with many people, including the child, the parents, mental health professionals, neighbors, teachers, church members, law enforcement, and friends.
3. Examines and gathers records concerning the child.
4. Assures that the child’s needs and wishes are heard.

As a Guardian ad Litem, you will meet with your assigned child each month and liaise with adults involved in the child’s case, including teachers, staff from the Department for Children and Families, the child’s attorney, court staff, foster parents and others. You will report to the court whether the child is receiving assistance that the court has ordered for the child. You will be asked to provide the court with information so that the court can determine what services or outcomes are in the child’s best interests.

Training Requirements : Guardians ad Litem are required to complete 32 hours of "pre-service training." This includes a 3-day (24-hour) basic training. There is a 4th day of training in handling delinquency cases that will be offered at a later date. To help new Guardians ad Litem (GAL) learn the ropes, the program will assign each new GAL a mentor after they complete the 3-day pre-service training.

Hours : In order to minimize disruptions to children who are assigned a Guardian ad Litem, the program asks prospective volunteers to consider devoting at least two years of service to this program. Please expect to spend 10-20 hours per month volunteering for this program.

Important information to keep in mind when you sign up to volunteer for this program: this site requires an interview to discuss your interest in the program, they will answer any questions that you have about the program, they will determine if you are a good fit and provide you with a background check to fill out.

If you are interested in volunteering for a very rewarding program or would like more information, please contact Maryesa at 802-775-8220 X103.