Since 1983, North Carolina Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program has served the best interests of thousands of children. Many were able to return home, some now live with other family members, still others have been adopted. What we try to ensure is that all of the children we represent remain safe, and that their homes are permanent.
The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children who are petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services. The Guardian ad Litem makes independent recommendations to the court for services, which focus on the needs of the child and advocates for a permanent and safe home for every child within the shortest time possible
The role of Guardian ad Litem advocates is to:
Fulfill state and federal statutory mandates to protect and promote the best interests of juveniles in abuse and neglect court proceedings
Help move children out of the court system in a timely manner and into a safe permanent home
Conduct independent investigations to determine the facts, needs of the child and the resources appropriate to meet those needs
Determine the wishes or expressed preferences of the child and report those to the court
Provide a voice for abused and neglected children in every county of the state
