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N.C. Guardian ad Litem Fact Sheet
 
Mission

The mission of the N.C. Guardian ad Litem program is to provide trained, independent advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in the state court system and to work expediently toward a plan that ensures that these children are in a safe, permanent home.

History
  • In 1983, the General Assembly established the Office of Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Services in the Administrative Office of the Courts.
  • This year, the GAL program is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
About
  • North Carolina Guardian ad Litem advocacy helps to move children out of the court system in a timely manner and into a safe and permanent home. GAL is mandated by statute to protect and promote the best interest of juveniles in abuse and neglect court proceedings.
  • Independent investigations are conducted by GAL to determine the facts, needs of the child and the resources appropriate to meet those needs. Guardians ad litem also determine the wishes or expressed preferences of the child, and report those to the court.
  • The GAL program advocates for children in each county of the state. Offices include trained staff, attorneys and community volunteer guardians ad litem.
  • More than 180 paid and pro bono attorneys are a part of the program's team representation model, partnering GAL volunteers with attorneys when representing children in court proceedings.
Giving Children a Voice
  • The need for volunteers has increased because of the continued rise of child abuse and neglect hearings - 38,043 in 2008.
  • In the same year, the program, required by both federal and state laws, provided legal representation to more than 17,000 abused and neglected children.
  • Last year, GAL volunteers gave the state 886,656 hours of service in training and casework (valued at more than $16.6 million).
  • The year also saw 4,767 volunteers participate in the GAL program.
Volunteer Duties
  • A Guardian ad Litem is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children when a petition is filed in the court system by the Department of Social Services.
  • The GAL program advocates for a permanent and safe home for every child.
How to Help
  • Anyone can apply to become a volunteer for the GAL program. For more information on the program in your area, visit www.ncgal.org or call
    1-800-982-4041.
 
  
 
   
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