Guardian Ad Litem
Too many children in the child welfare system lose their families, their rights, and their hope. Join our fight to make sure they don't!
Guardian ad Litem is a unique public-private partnership which trains and supports volunteers - people like you - to speak and act as advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children. They are trained to work within the dependency child welfare system and are appointed by judges to individual cases. With the help of a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, a child is half as likely to languish in foster care, and that much more likely to find a safe and permanent home.
We do our best to match volunteers with cases that fit their skills and interests. Do you like babies or little kids? One-third of our cases involve these most vulnerable children. Do you speak teenager? Then help us reach older youth! Do you have a background in the medical field? We need people with your experience to help untangle years of untreated symptoms. What about education? Help us ensure that each child has the tools he needs to become a successful adult. Use what you know and love to serve kids who so desperately need someone to fight for them.
This is one of few opportunities where a single, caring person can make a real difference in the life of a vulnerable child. Every child deserves the right to thrive, the right to be treated with dignity, and to live in a safe, loving home. Become a Guardian ad Litem volunteer to ensure that every child gets a fighting chance.
Guardians ad Litem devote, on average, 12-15 hours a month to their case. While much of their work can be scheduled at the Guardian's convenience (like meeting with the child or obtaining records), volunteers do need to have occasional daytime availability for court appearances. These court appearances are scheduled well in advance and usually occur on Monday or Tuesday afternoons.
In order to qualify as a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a background clear of felony charges, domestic violence convictions, or any history of child endangerment.
Guardians and Litem complete 30 hours of pre-service training and are supported by a dedicated staff, including case coordinators and program lawyers.
Guardians ad Litem come from all walks of life but have a few things in common: good judgment, determination, an inquisitive mind, and a heart for children and youth in need. If that's you, we'd love to talk! Contact us or visit our website for a volunteer application.