Have you ever wondered how a child’s case is handled in court when there are allegations of abuse or neglect? Did you ever wonder how that child’s voice could be heard in the complicated adult world of the court system? The Guardian ad Litem Program provides that voice and it needs your help.
In 1983, the N.C. General Assembly created a statewide program to provide children with an independent voice to advocate for abused and neglected children who are involved in court proceedings.
A guardian ad litem must be objective and nonjudgmental and be able to interact with people of various educational, economic and ethnic backgrounds. There are no particular diplomas required. The most important qualification, however, is to have a concern for the welfare of children.
Volunteers are needed and are supervised by the GAL program staff as they independently investigate the child’s situation then make recommendations to the judge as to the child’s best interests. If you have any questions or think the guardian ad litem program might be for you, call the local office at 704-639-7517 or the national contact number at 1-800-98-4041.