"Too often we under-estimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." -- Leo Buscaglia

The History of the Guardian ad Litem Program:

In 1983, the North Carolina Legislature created a statewide program to provide children with an independent voice and to advocate for abused and neglected children who are involved in court proceedings.  A Volunteer Guardian ad Litem and an Attorney Advocate are jointly appointed by a judge.  Their duty is to ensure protection of the child's legal rights and to promote the best interests of the child.  The Volunteers who serve as Guardians ad Litem are a diverse group of citizens from various educational, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

What is a Guardian ad Litem?

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services. For more information about the role of the GAL, read FAQs About GAL".

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Guardians ad Litem (GAL) perform the same role.   In North Carolina, our volunteer advocates  are called Guardians ad Litem. 

What qualifications are needed to be a Guardian ad Litem?

·         A sincere concern for the well-being of children.

·         You must be objective and non-judgmental and be able to interact with people of various educational, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

·         You must be able to complete 30 hours of training to ensure that you are ready to carry out your role as an informed and knowledgeable child advocate.

·         You must be able to pass a criminal background check.

·           You should be able to commit about 8-15 hours a month to working on your assigned case.

·         There is no special education or training required to be a Guardian ad Litem.

What exactly does a Guardian ad Litem do?

·        A Guardian ad Litem investigates, writes reports, speaks to the judge, and testifies in court.  This requires about 8-10 hours a month.

·        The Guardian ad Litem has a great responsibility to protect a child from further victimization by spending his or childhood in multiple, unfamiliar, and temporary placements. 

·        The child needs someone to advocate quickly for a safe and permanent home.  In the end, a Guardian ad Litem enjoys the undeniable personal fulfillment of ensuring that a child is not forgotten. 

·        For more information about the role of the GAL, read "Duties of the Volunteer."

*Click here to read what youth say about

Guardians ad Litem**

**Click here to read a collection of GAL profiles

and other special articles from our newsletter**

How to be come a Guardian ad Litem:

·         Call the Guardian ad Litem office at 919-792-5353.

·         We will send you an application and other materials for you to review before making your decision.           

·         Complete the application and return it to the GAL office.

·         Our office will review your application and references, conduct a background check, and schedule an interview with you.

·         Potential volunteers complete 30 hours of training and are then sworn in by a judge.

·         You may also download an application and mail it our office at P.O. Box 1107, Raleigh NC  27602.

A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child. --Knights of Pythogoras