The guardian ad litem program in North Carolina was created in 1983 to provide independent representation for abused and neglected children in court proceedings. Volunteer guardians ad litem are responsible for gathering information about the child's situation, communicating with others on the case, and making recommendations to the court that are in the child's best interest. To become a guardian ad litem, volunteers must submit an application, pass a background check, and complete 30 hours of training.

2. The guardian ad litem of
North Carolina was created
by the state’s legislation in
1983 to provide abuse and
neglected children with an
independent neutral voice
during court proceedings.

3. By becoming a guardian ad litem you are giving a voice
to abused and neglected children that are currently the
subject matter of a case in court.
With your neutral involvement and being focused on
the best interest of the child, you are making sure their
wishes are being heard and their needs are being met.

4. What are the Volunteer responsibilities?
• Digging for Details
Learn about the child and gather information about their situation by
interviewing the child, parents, caretakers, social workers, teachers and by reading records related to the
family
• Collaborating
Communicate with other participants on the case, including the GAL attorney and attend court hearings and
other meetings.
• Recommending the best interest for the child
Write a child’s focused court report recommending what is in the child’s best interest and
inform the court, by testifying if needed, of changes to the child situation.
• Empowering the child’s voice
Ensure the court knows about the child’s wishes and keep the child informed about the court.
• Keep confidentiality
Keep all information and records confidential.
Guardian ad Litem Volunteers receive training and supervision to fulfill their responsibilities.

5. Volunteer qualifications
A Guardian ad Litem must be objective and
non-judgmental and be able to interact with
individuals of all types of backgrounds.
Volunteer need to be 18 years of age or older.
There is no legal experience necessary or any special education required.

6. What is the next step?
To become a Guardian ad litem volunteer:
• Submit an application online at:
www.volunteerforgal.org
• Complete a screening interview and a background check

7. What to expect after
being accepted into the program:
•30 hour training
•About 8 hours of casework a month
•An estimated commitment of a year
(or as long as the case lasts)
•Staff supervision and support as well as
ongoing education training on advocacy

8. Interested in learning more
or supporting our program?
Visit us online at:
www.ncgal.org
Find and follow us on
FACEBOOK: NCGuardainadlitem
or contact your local volunteer recruiter in the Cumberland County
district of North Carolina:
Daisy Santiago at; daisy.m.santiago@nccourts.org

9. Together we can share the need for Guardian ad Litem volunteers to
help build awareness within our community about our mission to
provide advocate for children that have been abused and neglected
and that need a voice in court to fight for their need to find a safe,
loving, permanent home.